M&A
Red Cat plans to buy engine maker Steyr Motors for uncrewed surface vessel strategy
The proposed €39-a-share cash bid would bring the Austrian engine maker into Red Cat, which plans to support Steyr’s existing customer-agnostic business after completion.
Red Cat Holdings announced plans on Oct. 19, 2026, to acquire all outstanding shares of Steyr Motors AG. The proposed price is €39 a share in cash.1 Red Cat’s wholly owned Vienna subsidiary, SMOT Acquisition GmbH, would make the offer.2
The offer price will be EUR 39.00 per Steyr Motors share in cash
A proposed voluntary public purchase offer by Red Cat
per Steyr Motors share in cash, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the offer document
The proposed transaction remains subject to customary conditions
Subject to regulatory approvals in Austria, Italy, Australia and the UK
Source: Red Cat Holdings
Sources
Red Cat believes the combination would strengthen its Blue Ops uncrewed surface vessel strategy. The acquisition would pair Steyr’s marine engine technology, manufacturing expertise and European operating base with Red Cat’s defense customer relationships.1 Steyr’s engines are primarily used in military special vehicles, military and civilian boats, and as auxiliary power units for main battle tanks and locomotives.2
The proposed price represents a 28.9% premium to Steyr’s Oct. 16 Xetra closing price.2 Red Cat describes the proposed offer as fully financed. Steyr’s anchor shareholder, B&C Holding Österreich GmbH, has irrevocably committed to tender its approximately 15% stake.1
Steyr intends to support the offer, subject to a positive review of the final offer document’s legal and economic terms and the necessary Management Board and Supervisory Board resolutions.3 Completion is subject to a minimum acceptance threshold of 50% plus one share and regulatory approvals in Austria, Italy, Australia and the UK, among other conditions.1
The bidder expects completion in the first half of 2027, subject to regulatory clearances and further customary conditions.2
After completion, Red Cat intends to support Steyr’s existing customer relationships and customer-agnostic engine business. It also intends to invest in opportunities to expand Steyr’s capabilities and role in the autonomous maritime market. Red Cat plans to retain Steyr’s headquarters, manufacturing operations and research and development presence in Austria.1
Sources (3)
- Red Cat Holdings, "Red Cat Announces Proposed Voluntary Public Purchase Offer for Steyr Motors," Oct. 19, 2026 ir.redcatholdings.com
- Steyr Motors AG, "Voluntary public tender offer by SMOT Acquisition GmbH ... Offer price of EUR 39.00 in cash," Oct. 19, 2026 ir.steyr-motors.com
- Steyr Motors AG, ad hoc disclosure under Article 17 of Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014, Oct. 19, 2026 ir.steyr-motors.com