Czechoslovak Group is accelerating a planned Amsterdam IPO that could value the defence manufacturer at about €25bn. The compressed timeline aims to capture investor appetite amid buoyant markets, with order taking potentially beginning this week. The company, controlled by billionaire Michal Strnad, seeks to raise €3bn to €4bn.

Cornerstone investors including Artisan Partners, BlackRock, and a Qatar Investment Authority subsidiary have committed €900m. The deal is arranged by BNP Paribas, Jefferies, JPMorgan, and UniCredit. The offering combines new shares and a partial sale by the controlling owner, reflecting a strategic move to crystallize value.

The listing follows a sharp rally in European defence stocks, which have more than tripled over two years on heightened geopolitical tensions and increased military spending. CSG, a key supplier to Ukraine, positions itself to capitalize on sustained demand for armoured vehicles and munitions.