Sopra Steria has announced exclusive negotiations to acquire Starion and Nexova, European specialists in space systems engineering and cybersecurity, through its subsidiary CS Group. This acquisition aims to establish a leading European operator in secure, sovereign digital services, bolstering Sopra Steria’s position in critical systems and space missions with a projected revenue of approximately €200 million and 1,600 employees. Starion and Nexova, serving clients including the European Space Agency (ESA) and EUMETSAT, bring complementary expertise in areas such as digital engineering, quantum security, and cyber engineering within the rapidly expanding European space and cybersecurity markets—estimated at €20 billion and over €10 billion respectively in 2025.
Proposed Acquisition of Starion and Nexova
Sopra Steria is in exclusive negotiations to acquire Starion and Nexova through its subsidiary, CS Group. This acquisition aims to establish a leading European operator in secure, sovereign digital services for the space and cybersecurity sectors. Combined, Starion and Nexova are expected to generate nearly €100 million in revenue in 2025 with around 700 employees, boosting Sopra Steria’s overall position in critical systems and space missions.
The acquisition would significantly increase Sopra Steria’s revenue in this sector, reaching a combined total of around €200 million, and expanding its workforce to 1,600 employees. Starion specializes in systems engineering throughout the entire lifecycle of space missions, while Nexova focuses on cybersecurity for complex environments and critical infrastructure. Key clients include the European Space Agency (ESA) and EUMETSAT.
This move capitalizes on growing markets; the European space market is estimated at €20 billion in 2025 with double-digit growth expected, and the cybersecurity market at over €10 billion. Rising geopolitical tensions and threats are driving demand for secure, sovereign solutions in both sectors. Completion of the acquisition is anticipated in the first half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
Expertise of Starion and Nexova
Starion and Nexova bring specialized expertise to Sopra Steria, particularly in the space and cybersecurity sectors. Starion focuses on systems engineering throughout the entire lifecycle of space missions—from design to operation—and possesses specific skills in digital engineering, quantum security, and resilience of space systems. Nexova is a recognized cybersecurity operator, safeguarding complex environments and offering solutions covering cyber engineering, risk management, and regulatory compliance, with a strong presence within the space sector itself.
Combined, Starion and Nexova are expected to generate nearly €100 million in revenue in 2025, employing around 700 people across nine European countries. Their client base includes key organizations like the European Space Agency (ESA) and EUMETSAT, as well as national space agencies and European defense ministries. This acquisition aims to create a combined entity with around €200 million in revenue, bolstering Sopra Steria’s position in critical systems and space missions.
The acquisition of these two companies would expand Sopra Steria’s capabilities in end-to-end critical systems integration for space missions. This encompasses engineering, digital services, and technological solutions for both in-flight and ground-based applications, including areas like earth observation, communications, scientific research, and space surveillance. This expansion is supported by growth in the European space market, estimated at €20 billion in 2025.
Sopra Steria and CS Group Overview
Sopra Steria, a major European tech player with approximately 50,000 employees, is in exclusive negotiations to acquire Starion and Nexova through its subsidiary, CS Group. This acquisition aims to establish a leading European operator in secure, sovereign digital services for the space and cybersecurity sectors. CS Group itself generates around €320 million in annual revenue with nearly 2,700 employees, specializing in space systems integration and engineering throughout the entire system lifecycle.
The combined acquisition of Starion and Nexova is projected to add approximately €100 million in revenue in 2025, bringing the total to around €200 million, and increase employee numbers by 700, reaching 1,600. Starion and Nexova specialize in areas like digital engineering, quantum security, cyber engineering, and risk management, complementing CS Group’s existing capabilities. Key clients include the European Space Agency (ESA) and EUMETSAT, alongside national space agencies and defense ministries.
CS Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sopra Steria, focuses on space systems integration and engineering, covering all aspects of the space sector – from earth observation to exploration. The European space market was estimated at around €20 billion in 2025, and is expected to experience double-digit annual growth. The cybersecurity market is also substantial, exceeding €10 billion in Europe during the same period, driven by increased geopolitical tensions and security concerns.
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