The Bundeskartellamt, Germany's competition authority, has granted approval for Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG to increase its stake in AIM Infrarot-Module GmbH from 50% to 100%, thereby gaining sole control over the company.

AIM specializes in infrared technology, particularly for military and space applications. The components developed by AIM can be integrated into guided missiles and advanced artillery ammunition, which are also produced by Diehl.

Andreas Mundt, President of the Bundeskartellamt, stated that Diehl and AIM operate at different market levels, meaning their activities do not overlap horizontally. The authority examined the potential effects of the merger between supplier and buyer in the relevant component markets but found insufficient evidence for customer or supplier foreclosure.

It is also important to note that Diehl already held a 50% stake in AIM, which was initially approved by the European Commission in 1997. With this acquisition, Diehl will take over the remaining shares from Rheinmetall, which will exit as a shareholder from the company.