Saab Buys 25% Stake In Akaer

Saab has acquired additional 10 per cent of shares, reaching 25 per cent of stakes in Akaer one of the largest companies within development of aeronautical projects in Brazil.

In conjunction with the expansion of the Saab-Akaer partnership, Akaer acquires 100 per cent of the shares of the Space and Defense Division (E&D) of the Brazilian optronic company Opto Eletrônica S.A.

Saab and Akaer have been partners since 2008 and the Brazilian company was contracted by Saab to develop parts to the fuselage of the Gripen NG fighter, even before Saab was down-selected for negotiations to re-equip the Brazilian Air Force, the Swedish company announced Monday.

Saab’s investment in Akaer began in May 2012, when Saab made a convertible loan in shares, a contribution of resources equivalent to 15 per cent of Akaer.

Saab’s stake in the company is hereby expanded to 25 percent, and Akaer remains independent, and controlled and managed by the Brazilian founder and management. Since 2012, Saab is part of Akaer's Advisory Board.

“Our partnership with Akaer is long-term and by exchanging knowledge, we want to expand our co-operation. The partnership brings mutual benefits and allows us to take another step in the technology transfer program and in the development of the Brazilian defence industry,” said Ulf Nilsson, head of Saab business area Aeronautics.

Akaer's goal is to ensure that the optronic technologies developed by OPTO over decades are kept under the control of a Strategic Defence Company (EED), so that they can be used in the national space and defence programmes in the coming years.