In a significant strategic pivot, Bremen-based aerospace and technology group OHB SE has announced it will maintain its stock exchange listing, putting an end to months of speculation about a potential departure from the public markets. This reversal comes following the investment by private equity firm KKR and is underscored by the company reporting a historic order backlog and raising its financial outlook.
Record Financials Underpin Decision
The operational foundation for this renewed commitment to the public market is exceptionally strong. For the recently concluded 2025 fiscal year, OHB’s revenue surged by 21 percent to approximately €1.25 billion. Concurrently, the firm’s firm order backlog reached a new peak of €3.19 billion.
Management has set ambitious targets, now aiming for total output of €1.4 billion with an operating margin of around eleven percent for the current year. Looking further ahead, the company projects revenues will surpass the €2 billion mark by 2028.
Transparency and Trust Cited as Key Factors
The decision represents a notable shift from initial plans to restructure the company away from public scrutiny. CEO Marco Fuchs now argues that the transparency afforded by a stock market listing significantly strengthens trust with public sector clients. He also emphasized that it secures long-term access to capital markets.
This move is particularly remarkable given the stock’s limited free float of just 5.7 percent. The founding family and private equity investor KKR continue to hold the overwhelming majority of shares.
Defense and Civil Space Synergy Drives Growth
A major catalyst for this positive momentum is the increasing convergence of civil space activities and military defense projects. OHB is actively positioning itself for major public tenders worth billions, including at the ongoing Munich Space Summit. A key focus is the German Bundeswehr’s SATCOMBw Stufe 4 project, for which the Bremen-based company is already in cooperative talks with Rheinmetall.
Bolstered by rising European defense budgets and a substantial allocation from the European Space Agency (ESA), the leadership team expresses considerable optimism about the future.
With the delisting plan abandoned and its order books full, OHB has established a robust foundation for its medium-term strategy. The company will provide the next detailed look at the operational progress of these growth plans on May 7, 2026, with the release of its first-quarter financial results.
