# 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.

Published 2026-10-19 by TGOs. Canonical: https://tgos.io/news/2026/10/19/red-cat-plans-to-buy-engine-maker-steyr-motors/

Red Cat Holdings announced plans on Oct. 19, 2026, to acquire all outstanding shares of Steyr Motors AG.[1] 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]

Red Cat believes the combination would strengthen its Blue Ops uncrewed surface vessel strategy.[1] 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.[1] 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]

## Why it matters

After completion, Red Cat intends to support Steyr’s existing customer relationships and customer-agnostic engine business.[1] It also intends to invest in opportunities to expand Steyr’s capabilities and role in the autonomous maritime market.[1] Red Cat plans to retain Steyr’s headquarters, manufacturing operations and research and development presence in Austria.[1]

## Sources

1. Red Cat Holdings, "Red Cat Announces Proposed Voluntary Public Purchase Offer for Steyr Motors," Oct. 19, 2026 <https://ir.redcatholdings.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/244/red-cat-announces-proposed-voluntary-public-purchase-offer-for-steyr-motors>
2. Steyr Motors AG, "Voluntary public tender offer by SMOT Acquisition GmbH ... Offer price of EUR 39.00 in cash," Oct. 19, 2026 <https://ir.steyr-motors.com/en/2026/10/19/steyr-motors-ag-voluntary-public-tender-offer-by-smot-acquisition-gmbh-a-subsidiary-of-red-cat-holdings-inc-offer-price-of-eur-39-00-in-cash/>
3. Steyr Motors AG, ad hoc disclosure under Article 17 of Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014, Oct. 19, 2026 <https://ir.steyr-motors.com/en/2026/10/19/disclosure-of-inside-information-pursuant-to-article-17-of-regulation-eu-no-596-2014-4/>
