Electro Optic Systems (ASX: EOS) announces agreement to acquire MARSS Group, a counter drone C2 provider
Oaklins Henslow, together with Oaklins France, is pleased to have acted as corporate advisor to Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited (ASX: EOS) on its agreement to acquire the MARSS Group business, a Europe based provider of command and control (C2) and sensor fusion systems that are critical for effectively countering drones.
Electro Optic Systems is an Australian defence and space technology company listed on the ASX that designs, manufactures and supports advanced remote weapon systems, counter drone and directed energy solutions, and space domain awareness sensors for customers in Australia and other allied markets.
MARSS’s NiDAR platform is an AI enabled C2 and sensor fusion system that integrates data from multiple sensors and platforms, correlates threats, and orchestrates coordinated responses across domains to detect, identify, decide, and defeat complex and swarm based drone attacks through a single interface.
The transaction is structured as an asset acquisition, with EOS to acquire the NiDAR C2 technology, sensor fusion and AI software platform, related hardware, associated customer contracts, intellectual property and personnel. On completion, EOS will pay an upfront cash consideration of US$36m (~A$54m), plus an earnout of up to €100m (~A$174m).
The acquisition of MARSS is expected to:
- Move EOS up the value chain by positioning the company as an integrator of counter drone and autonomous systems, combining sensors, C2, AI and effectors rather than simply supplying components
- Close capability gaps created by the evolving drone threat through the addition of proven, in market C2 and sensor fusion technology and associated expert teams
- Strengthen EOS’ go to market proposition and tender positioning, improving conversion of MARSS’ opportunity pipeline into contracted wins
- Expand EOS’ international footprint across Europe, including France and the United Kingdom, and consolidate its position in the Middle East, supporting priority defence market growth and AUKUS aligned opportunities
- Increase EOS’ reach into non military markets, including homeland security and civil demand for counter drone solutions, and provide a stronger platform for future product and technology development as the threat environment continues to evolve
- Provide a stronger software and AI platform to support future product development and capability upgrades
This M&A transaction marks the second acquisition Oaklins Henslow and Oaklins France have advised on for EOS, following the acquisition of the MARSS interceptor capability in November 2025. We are proud to support the company in achieving this further milestone and look forward to continuing our partnership with the EOS team.
“A complex, cross-border transaction requires an adviser who can see the big picture without losing sight of the technical nuances. Oaklins was a true partner throughout our recent this transaction, providing the strategic clarity and multi-jurisdictional expertise needed to drive a successful outcome”DAVID BERT, Corporate Development Director, Electro Optic Systems
For Oaklins Henslow, the transaction adds to our growing track record advising defence, aerospace and advanced technology companies on strategic acquisitions, international growth and cross border transactions, demonstrating the strength of the Oaklins network in delivering coordinated outcomes for clients across multiple jurisdictions.
For further information, please contact Scott McInnes (Managing Director) at smcinnes@henslow.com, Ryan Whitelegg (Managing Director) at rwhitelegg@henslow.com and Adam Nettlefold (Analyst) at anettlefold@henslow.com
Acquisition of MARSS counter-drone C2 system provider – Electro Optic Systems
