The defense electronics manufacturer HENSOLDT is on the verge of completing the acquisition of the electronics specialist ESG, an important step that is to be completed in the first quarter. This strategic expansion is expected to be reflected in HENSOLDT's financial reports from the second quarter onwards, leading to an adjustment of the business forecast for the current year. After the Federal Cartel Office gave the green light for the acquisition at the beginning of February, HENSOLDT looks to the future with optimism.

CEO Thomas Müller has already outlined revenue targets for 2024, aiming for an increase to around two billion Euros. However, this forecast does not yet include the ESG business. The announcement of this acquisition has led to a positive trend in HENSOLDT shares, which rose by 7.6 percent to an annual high of 37.28 Euros on Friday, overcoming an earlier weak phase. At the close of trading, the shares were up 7.10 percent at 37.10 Euros.

Compared to Rheinmetall, the current best DAX stock with an annual increase of 75 percent, HENSOLDT has made up ground but still lags behind. Nevertheless, the value of HENSOLDT shares has more than tripled since the Russian attack on Ukraine and the subsequent turning point in European defense policy. Since the initial public offering in autumn 2020, when the shares were issued at 12 euros, the price has risen steadily.

RENK, a stock market newcomer and manufacturer of tank transmissions, also recorded a significant price increase on Friday. Since their IPO in early February, the shares have increased in value by 86 percent. This demonstrates the current momentum in the defense sector, which benefits from geopolitical developments and the realignment of European security policy.