Costruzio ni Motori Diesel S.p.A. (CMD), a leading Italian company specialised in the design, prototyping, and development of advanced propulsion systems for automotive, marine, and aeronautical applications, has received an acquisition proposal from EDGE Group, a company founded in 2019 and based in the United Arab Emirates, one of the leading international technology groups.
The agreement represents a multiplier of opportunities for the Italian company, which has always chosen to remain in Basilicata, where it was founded in 1989, constantly investing in research and development and innovation, so much so that it has earned a solid international reputation for technical precision, innovation, and uncompromising quality standards, until it attracted the attention of EDGE Group, which with this strategic move aims to expand its presence in advanced engineering in Industry 4.0 and energy solutions.The operation therefore combines CMD’s expertise, historicity, and roots in a high-potential production area with the global reach and financial strength of EDGE Group.
For CMD this entails in the immediate: increased capital investment and access to new regional and international markets; and in the perspective: expansion of production capacity, further acceleration of R & D activities and advancement of positioning in both conventional and next generation propulsion systems (the company is already strongly focused on hybrid propulsion systems).
Leaders of both organizations emphasized a shared vision focused on creating long-term value for the Italian company, its community, the region, and the national and international sector. Among the objectives: to create an integrated platform able to develop competitive “export‑ready” products for automotive, aeronautics and marine, with high-quality production based in Europe, while contributing to continuous growth and global technological progress.
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO, EDGE Group: said:
“By entering into this agreement with CMD, we are taking an important step in building a highly capable European propulsion hub that will complement and reinforce EDGE’s global industrial footprint. Through CMD’s proven expertise in piston engines and advanced propulsion technologies, we will accelerate the development of competitive, export-ready products that meet the most demanding requirements of our aeronautical, automotive, and marine customers.”
Mariano Negri, CMD Group Ceo: said:
“Joining forces with EDGE represents a powerful industrial opportunity for CMD, our employees, and our partners. With EDGE’s support, we will be able to scale our technologies, expand our international reach, and invest further in innovation, while maintaining and strengthening our Italian industrial roots and our commitment to quality, reliability, and technological excellence. I am proud to think that our CMD can become the European home of EDGE engines: designed and built in Italy to compete in the world. At a time when many Italian companies risk losing value by relocating, it is a source of pride that an international giant has chosen to associate its name, along with ours, with the quality asset produced in Italy.”
The operation is subject to the usual closing conditions and applicable regulatory and government approvals, expected to be completed by the end of the year. Until then, CMD will continue to operate as an independent company under the leadership of its current management team, ensuring full continuity for customers, suppliers and employees.
Should all the conditions envisaged be met, EDGE and CMD’s current shareholders, who will continue to invest in the company with a significant minority stake and fill key managerial roles, will jointly define a detailed integration plan aimed at maximizing industrial synergies, safeguarding critical know-how and accelerating the implementation of a full propulsion offering in the aviation, automotive and maritime segments.
Founded in 1989 by the Negri family, whose engine-making legacy dates back to before the Second World War, CMD has spent over 35 years designing, prototyping, and developing high-performance piston engines for the automotive, marine, and aeronautical sectors. The company has earned an international reputation for technical precision, innovation, and uncompromising quality standards.
Until the closing of the transaction, which is expected to occur by year-end, CMD will continue to operate as an independent company under its current management team, ensuring full continuity for customers, suppliers, and employees.
Upon completion, EDGE and the current shareholders of CMD, who will remain invested in the company with a significant minority stake and will continue to cover key managerial roles, will jointly define a detailed integration plan aimed at maximising industrial synergies, safeguarding critical know-how, and accelerating the deployment of a comprehensive propulsion offering across the aeronautical, automotive, and marine segments.
Photo: L-R: CMD and EDGE leaders Giorgio Negri, Omar Al Zaabi, Rodrigo Torres, and Mariano Negri