Empowering Defense. M&A consulting for defence, security & defence technology.
The security policy situation has rarely been more dynamic – and the structural importance of medium-sized companies in the defence environment greater. Family businesses, suppliers, system houses or specialized niche providers now play key roles in the European security architecture – technologically, logistically and strategically.
starkpartners supports entrepreneurs in the security-relevant environment with succession issues, strategic sales and capital measures – with the necessary care, depth and sensitivity. We advise with a clear view of security and industrial policy framework conditions, defence-specific market dynamics and the special requirements for buyer selection, discretion and approval requirements.
Our approach – profound, discreet, targeted:
Assessment of business field, technology reference, dual-use potential and security policy relevance.
Selection of potential buyers in accordance with security and foreign trade law requirements. Focus on trustworthiness, strategic fit and implementation strength.
Confidential approach with special attention to the sensitive information situation – with structured Q&A processes, virtual data rooms and coordinated communication with authorities.
Coordination with authorities (BMWK, BAFA), early involvement of legal specialists, management of foreign trade law audits.
Support until signing and closing – with a clear focus on transaction security, timing and political viability.
Strategic sovereignty needs entrepreneurial clarity.
Succession and transactions in security-relevant SMEs.
Many medium-sized companies in the defense sector are facing a generational change – or the question of how they can further develop their market position in the wake of geopolitical realignments.
Specific challenges arise in this constellation:
Shaping Succession without Jeopardizing Operational or Political Stability
Securing the Inflow of Capital without Losing Control over Sensitive Structures
Review International Investors in Compliance with AWG, GWB and BImSchG
We pave the way for our clients to access the market – through selective acquisition strategies and sustainable partnerships with strategic and institutional players.
We actively support the early identification and solution-oriented support of approval processes – especially in the context of the Foreign Trade Ordinance (AWV) and arms export control.
We understand the political implications – and at the same time advise in an entrepreneurial, solution-oriented and always confidential manner.
M&A, carve-out and succession consulting
• Project management for company acquisitions, sales or spin-offs of divisions
• Identification and approach of strategic and institutional investors in the defense environment
Company valuation & investor approach
• Valuation of investments with industry benchmarks (e.g. EBITDA multiples of defense contractors)
• Support with capital measures or joint ventures
Operational Transformation & Crisis Support
• Process optimization in production, supply chain, quality assurance
• Introduction or scaling of ERP and quality systems
• Support for restructuring, cost reductions or performance programs
Success factors in the European environment
• Multinational project experience with knowledge of the political, legal and cultural framework
• Familiarity with funding programs, e.g. EDA (European Defence Agency), Bayern Innovativ, SME funding through BAFA
• Ability to evaluate or position dual-use technologies and civilian spin-offs
Certification and standards knowledge
• Familiar with EN 9100, EASA Part 21 / Part 145, ISO 9001 etc.
• Experience in Dealing with Audits and Supplier Approvals by OEMs
Understanding of safety-critical supply chains
• Knowledge of ITAR, BAFA, EAR, REACH, ESG criteria in the supply chain
• Sensitivity to confidentiality, risk management and export controls
Anchoring in the ecosystem
• Proven projects with or for OEMs (Airbus, Dassault, Leonardo, Rheinmetall etc.)
• Access to relevant stakeholders: procurement departments, program managers, investors, authorities
Strategic realignment & market positioning
• Development of growth, differentiation and internationalization strategies
• Advice on buy-and-build approaches in the supplier segment
Offset in the Defence context
• Participation of Domestic Companies in the Production, Maintenance or further Development of the Delivered Systems
Indirect Offset
Economic consideration outside of the specific armaments business, e.g.:
• Industrial cooperations, joint ventures
• Technology transfer to other sectors
• Investments in local infrastructure or education
Commercial / Civil Offset
• Investments in Non-Military Sectors of the Buyer Country, E.G. Aviation, Automotive or Mechanical Engineering
Offset is a Strategic Instrument that is Intended to Ensure that a Major Military Order not Only Brings Economic Benefits in the Supplier Country, but also Creates Sustainable Impetus for the Defence Industry of the Buyer Country. For Medium-Sized Suppliers in Europe, Offset Can be both a Gateway and a Development Lever – Provided They are Integrated into National Value Chains.
our experts with many years of experience in this field
Thorsten Stark, Senior Partner
Visionary Entrepreneur with over 25 Years of Experience in Leadership, Corporate Planning, Engineering and Finance – Specializing in Transformations and Strategic Development.
Horst Rieder, Senior Advisor
CFO and Defence Expert with over 20 Years of Industry Experience – Brings In-Depth Know-How and Strategic Impetus for Demanding Projects in the Security-Relevant Environment.
What we stand for:
Deep Understanding of Security-Relevant Value Chains
Many Years of M&A Expertise in SMEs
Network to Family Offices, Strategic Buyers & Special Investors
Discretion, Structure and Trust in Sensitive Situations
Reliable Partner – on an Equal Footing with Entrepreneurs and Authorities
Avoid costly experiments and get the right partners on your side right away
Don’t hesitate too long to contact experienced specialists, because the more serious the situation becomes with regard to your liquidity and solvency as well as other contractual obligations, the more your chances of an out-of-court restructuring dwindle.