Kongsberg Gruppen

M&A Activity • Jun 17, 2025

Kongsberg Discovery to acquire Sonatech in the United States

Kongsberg Discovery to acquire Sonatech in the United States

Kongsberg Discovery, a business area in KONGSBERG, has signed an agreement to acquire Sonatech, an experienced player in the field of underwater acoustics.

This strategic move will support Kongsberg Discovery’s growth ambitions and enhance access to the US markets for the company’s product portfolio. The acquisition is expected to close later in 2025, subject to the necessary governmental approvals.

Strengthening the presence in the USA

With over 50 years of experience, Sonatech is a leading undersea acoustics engineering and manufacturing firm supporting U.S. Navy projects in the defence sector. For Kongsberg Discovery, the acquisition of Sonatech will enable increased market access and growth in the US. President Martin Wien Fjell underlines this to be a major milestone.

"Sonatech has a strong and solid relationship with the U.S. Navy. With our combined technology portfolio and expertise, we will broaden the systems and products available for the U.S. Navy. Acquiring Sonatech will provide Kongsberg Discovery with a platform to leverage its technology into new markets and further development. It will also reinforce our presence and operations in the U.S., a significant market for us," says Fjell.

Solidify the role as an Ocean space expert

CEO and President Geir Håøy of KONGSBERG emphasises that Sonatech aligns well with the company’s technology portfolio and will enable KONGSBERG to gain access to a significant market.

“As a global technology company and ocean space expert, we are developing world-leading solutions from deep sea to outer space. Mapping the oceans is becoming increasingly important with the world’s need for security and sustainability. The acquisition of Sonatech fits well into our technology portfolio and our growth ambitions. It strengthens our position in both safety, research and sustainable management of marine resources," Håøy says.

The value of the transaction is undisclosed.

About Sonatech

Sonatech, a well-regarded technology company in Santa Barbara, California, employs more than 110 skilled professionals. In 2024, the company's revenue was MUSD 32.78. Sonatech specialises in developing and manufacturing customised devices, subsystems, and systems that transmit, receive and/or process acoustic signals through the ocean.

KONGSBERG (OSE ticker: KOG) is an international knowledge-based group that supplies high-technology systems and solutions to customers in a wide range of markets such as defence, security, maritime, energy, aerospace, climate mapping and subsea technology. KONGSBERG has more than 14 600 employees in more than 40 countries and has a total revenue of NOK 48.9 billion in 2024.