One of the biggest global business stories of 2026 has come from the defence sector.
Czech Republic–based defence major Czechoslovak Group (CSG) has officially launched its Initial Public Offering (IPO), marking what is being described as the largest defence-sector IPO ever. The company has chosen Euronext Amsterdam (Netherlands) for its public listing, highlighting its global ambitions.
What Is the Latest News?
CSG opened its IPO on 20 January 2026, with subscriptions closing on 22 January 2026.
Through this offering, the company aims to raise around €3.8 billion (approximately $4.4 billion). After the IPO, CSG’s total valuation is estimated to be close to €25 billion.
The scale of the IPO has drawn strong interest from institutional investors across Europe, the US, and other global markets, underlining growing confidence in defence companies.
Company Introduction: Czechoslovak Group (CSG)
Czechoslovak Group (CSG) is a leading defence and industrial conglomerate headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic.
Key details:
- Founder & Owner: Czech billionaire Michal Strnad
- Core Businesses:
- Ammunition and weapons systems
- Military vehicles
- Defence and aerospace technologies
CSG is among the world’s largest ammunition producers and supplies defence equipment to NATO countries, European governments, and allied nations worldwide.
IPO Details at a Glance
- IPO Open Date: 20 January 2026
- IPO Close Date: 22 January 2026
- Listing Exchange: Euronext Amsterdam (Netherlands)
- IPO Size: ~€3.8 billion
- Public Shareholding: Around 15%
- Listing Date: 23 January 2026
Despite the public listing, control of the company remains with its founder, ensuring continuity in leadership and strategy.
Why Amsterdam Was Chosen for the IPO
CSG selected Amsterdam over its home market because:
- Amsterdam is a major international financial hub
- Euronext provides access to global institutional investors
- The exchange has strong experience with large industrial and defence listings
- It enhances the company’s international visibility and credibility
Why This IPO Is So Important
Rising Global Defence Spending
Ongoing geopolitical tensions, including conflicts in Eastern Europe, have pushed NATO and European nations to significantly increase defence budgets. This has created strong demand for ammunition and military equipment—CSG’s core strength.
Strong Order Book
CSG already has a confirmed order backlog of around €14 billion, ensuring revenue visibility for several years.
Healthy Profitability
The company operates with operating margins of about 24–25%, which is considered very strong within the defence industry.
How the IPO Proceeds Will Be Used
Funds raised from the IPO will help CSG to:
- Expand manufacturing capacity
- Invest in advanced defence technologies
- Pursue future acquisitions
- Strengthen its global footprint and long-term growth strategy
What Market Experts Say
Market analysts believe that defence will remain one of the strongest investment themes in 2026.
Companies like CSG, which already have long-term government contracts, strong cash flows, and global reach, are seen as relatively resilient even during economic slowdowns.
Outcome
The IPO of Czechoslovak Group is not just a corporate milestone—it reflects the growing importance of the global defence industry.
As nations increase military spending and focus on security, companies like CSG are emerging as key beneficiaries. By launching its IPO in Amsterdam, CSG has positioned itself as a major global defence player with long-term growth potential.
Source: live.euronext
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any securities. Readers are advised to do their own research or consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
