Thessaloniki, Greece. SK Group, a leading holding company known for driving innovation across multiple strategic industries, has acquired the remaining shares in ELVO, Greece’s foremost manufacturer of specialised military and civilian vehicles, becoming its sole owner. SK Group had previously been a shareholder in ELVO.
The acquisition demonstrates SK Group’s long-term commitment to Greece – bolstering local industry, advancing innovation and fueling economic growth. With ELVO’s unique infrastructure for armoured vehicle manufacturing, SK Group will not only continue to meet domestic needs but also drive exports to more global markets.
With full ownership of ELVO, SK Group will bring its deep expertise in the defence industry, proven success in turning around privatised factories and revitalising strategic manufacturing operations, and a commitment to technology transfer to elevate ELVO into a premier production and export hub.
The transaction marks SK Group’s first operational base in Europe and cements its position as a leading force in the global military and commercial vehicle sector. It reinforces its commitment to investing in advanced land defence capabilities, localised production and a strategic partnership with Greece.
ELVO has a long-standing legacy in Greece’s defence sector, known for producing iconic platforms such as the Leonidas armoured personnel carriers and the Mercedes-Benz G-Class jeeps, which are still in use by the Hellenic Army. The company became synonymous with the production of Steyr trucks, as well as specialised vehicles and buses for civil protection and public services. Additionally, ELVO’s certified production and assembly line for Leopard 2 HEL tanks has been of strategic importance, given Greece’s extensive fleet.
“Acquiring full ownership of ELVO marks a significant milestone in our strategic growth plans and deepens ties with Greece,” said SK Group’s Vice Chairman Ronen Hamudot. “We see tremendous potential in ELVO’s infrastructure and legacy, and we are committed to transforming it into a leading global hub for production and export. This investment reflects our long-term vision to strengthen Greece’s defence industry and expand SK Group’s operational footprint in Europe as a global leader in the land defence sector.”
Elvo, as the historical partner of the Greek Army and state authorities for more than half a century, has a proven track record of assembling and manufacturing capabilities of both military, civilian, and special-use vehicles.
SK Group, founded by noted industrialist Samy Katsav, is a leading holding company known for driving innovation across multiple strategic industries. Its portfolio comprises globally recognised companies, unified by a commitment to innovation and operational excellence. SK Group’s companies serve military, law enforcement and civilian markets in nearly 60 countries.
