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# Germany’s Mehler Systems Signs Deal to Acquire Majority Stake in Bulgaria’s MARS Armor
- URL: https://www.adriadefense.com/germanys-mehler-systems-signs-deal-to-acquire-majority-stake-in-bulgarias-mars-armor/
- Published: 2026-10-30T09:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-30T09:00:00.000Z
- Description: German defense equipment group Mehler Systems has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Bulgarian ballistic protection manufacturer MARS Armor, expanding its production and customer network in Eastern Europe.
- Author: AdriaDefense Desk
- Tags: Bulgaria, Germany, CEE, Mars Armor, Mehler Systems, Defense Industry, Industry

German defense equipment manufacturer **Mehler Systems** announced on October 29 that it has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in **MARS Armor**, a Bulgarian producer of ballistic protection equipment. The transaction will expand the group's manufacturing and customer network in Eastern Europe while strengthening its European Union-based supply chain.

Financial terms, including the purchase price and the exact ownership percentage, were not disclosed. MARS Armor will continue operating under its existing brand and management, supported by Mehler Systems.

## Bulgarian Manufacturer Adds Ballistic Protection Capabilities

Headquartered in Kostinbrod, near Sofia, MARS Armor has more than 20 years of experience developing and manufacturing personal protective equipment for military forces, law enforcement agencies and government customers. Its products are distributed in more than 40 countries.

The company's portfolio includes ballistic vests, hard and soft armor inserts, protective helmets, ballistic shields and specialized equipment for demining operations. MARS Armor also operates its own facilities for ballistic and stab-resistance testing.

For Mehler Systems, the acquisition will add complementary product capabilities, including NIJ-standard protection systems and specialized demining suits. It will also provide access to established customer relationships across Eastern European markets.

Mehler Systems CEO **Dr. Mario Amschlinger** described the investment as part of the group's international expansion strategy, emphasizing the importance of locally established manufacturers with specialized expertise and long-term customer relationships.

**Dr. Eng. Plamen Tashkov**, CEO of MARS Armor, said the company would contribute its manufacturing experience, products and customer relationships to the wider group.

## Mehler Systems Expands Its International Footprint

Based in Fulda, Germany, Mehler Systems operates several established defense equipment brands, including Mehler Protection, Lindnerhof and UF PRO. The group produces ballistic protection systems, tactical clothing and load-carrying equipment for military and security customers.

The Bulgarian agreement follows another international acquisition in 2026\. In August, Australian manufacturer Craig International Ballistics officially joined Mehler Systems after the group completed the acquisition of a major stake in the company.

The expansion reflects Mehler Systems' strategy of strengthening regional manufacturing capabilities, diversifying supply chains and extending its product portfolio through acquisitions.

The Bulgarian transaction also comes as MARS Armor prepares for potential investment in its production capabilities. Earlier in October, the company was [selected for approximately €1.53 million in proposed EU-backed defense industry grants](https://www.adriadefense.com/bulgaria-selects-94-defense-industry-projects-for-eur61-5m/), as part of a broader €61.5 million Bulgarian industrial modernization program. Final funding remains subject to eligibility checks and grant agreements.

The combination of German investment and planned industrial modernization could strengthen MARS Armor's position in the European ballistic protection market, although Mehler Systems has not disclosed specific capacity expansion targets or additional employment commitments related to the acquisition.