PRESS RELEASE: Starion and Nexova Group, a leading European company specialising in cybersecurity and systems engineering for space, defence and critical infrastructures, is pleased to announce that it has entered into exclusive negotiations to be acquired by Sopra Steria, acting through its subsidiary CS Group. CS Group is an entrepreneurial European organisation renowned for designing, developing and operating smart, safe and interconnected systems.
This marks a significant milestone for Starion and Nexova, reflecting the strategic alignment of our Groups’ offerings and markets. Sopra Steria’s mission to deliver smart, cyber-protected, mission-critical systems perfectly complements Starion and Nexova’s expertise. Together, we will provide enhanced services, innovative solutions and greater value to our clients. This collaboration will enable Sopra Steria to leverage Starion and Nexova’s deep expertise in critical systems, cybersecurity and space mission engineering, accelerating its ability to deliver comprehensive, sovereign, secure and resilient operations.
Starion and Nexova employ approximately 700 engineers, consultants and corporate specialists across nine European countries, and are recognised for excellence in systems engineering, digital resilience, quantum security and integrated cybersecurity solutions. Our key clients include the European Space Agency (ESA), EUMETSAT, national Ministries of Defence and leading European industrial players in the space sector.
Driven by a shared strategic vision, this acquisition will benefit both Groups and their clients by combining product lines and services to strengthen our overall portfolio, generate synergistic value and support the delivery of mission-critical services throughout the life cycle of space and defence operations, including Earth observation, communications, scientific research, navigation, exploration and space surveillance. The combined geographical reach of our organisations will provide a robust platform for future growth.
This acquisition is expected to be transformational, founded on a shared vision, strong values and a commitment to collaborative projects. Following the acquisition, the 700 employees will continue to deliver the high-quality services and solutions our clients trust, while benefiting from new opportunities alongside the new Group.
The proposed transaction is subject to consultation with employee representative bodies and the receipt of customary regulatory approvals, with completion anticipated in the first half of 2026.
About Starion and Nexova
Starion and Nexova Group deliver specialist engineering expertise and solutions for the space and cybersecurity markets. We partner with organisations across Europe in space, defence and other critical infrastructure domains, helping to advance innovation and address some of the industry’s most complex challenges. With more than 30 years’ heritage in the space sector, we are pioneers in space operations and securing space systems. Our experts support every stage of the mission life cycle, from spacecraft design and mission operations to data collection, archiving and utilisation.
In cybersecurity, we strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructures through flexible, state-of-the-art solutions built on extensive in-house engineering capabilities. This includes advanced cyber-range environments that enable testing, training and R&D. Our innovative approach to system development and engineering services, combined with our reputation as a trusted partner, is why we are continually selected to lead and collaborate on projects and programmes that shape the future. Together, we push the boundaries of innovation, making a difference to public and private organisations, and to everyday life.
About Sopra Steria
Sopra Steria, a major European technology player with 50,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, is recognised for its consulting, services and digital solutions. It helps its clients drive their digital transformation and achieve concrete, sustainable benefits. The Group provides a comprehensive response to the competitiveness challenges faced by large companies and organisations, combining in-depth knowledge of business sectors and technologies with a collaborative approach. Sopra Steria places people at the heart of its activities and is committed to helping its clients make the most of digital technology to build a positive future. In 2024, the Group generated revenue of €5.8 billion.
Sopra Steria (SOP) is listed on Euronext Paris (Compartment A) - ISIN code: FR0000050809.
About CS Group
CS Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sopra Steria, is a critical systems integrator with revenue of around €320 million and nearly 2,700 employees. A major player in the engineering and integration of space information systems, CS Group covers all areas of space (Earth observation, navigation, telecoms, science and exploration) throughout the life cycle of its customers' systems (upstream studies, system development and integration, operation and intelligence in data exploitation).
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Further information
Contact details: Isabelle Roels, VP Marketing and Communications (i.roels [at] nexovagroup.eu)