EDGE takes majority control of Italian propulsion firm CMD, prioritises drone engines
Abu Dhabi’s EDGE group has completed the acquisition of a controlling stake in CMD S.r.l., an Italian company that specialises in the design, prototyping and development of advanced propulsion systems for automotive, marine and aeronautical applications. The transaction was signed in Rome, following an agreement reached in May 2026 at CMD’s plant in Atella, in the Basilicata region of southern Italy. This move gives EDGE access to more than 35 years of piston engine manufacturing expertise and marks a significant step in the group’s European expansion.
Strategic Investment and Expansion Plans
With EDGE’s backing, CMD is set for significant growth to meet rising demand across the engine market. EDGE will invest heavily in scaling CMD’s manufacturing capabilities, accelerating research and development, and strengthening its position in both conventional and next-generation propulsion systems. CMD’s existing shareholders will retain a significant minority stake and continue in key management roles. The two parties will jointly define an integration plan to maximise synergies and protect critical technical knowledge.
Priority Focus on Drone Engines and Maritime Applications
Engines for EDGE’s unmanned aerial systems are an immediate priority, with discussions on large-volume orders already under way. EDGE is also exploring maritime applications for CMD’s high-performance engines with Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), its naval shipbuilding unit, and other partners. CMD will continue to support its automotive clients and grow that part of its business.
Leadership Perspectives
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE, said: “Completing this acquisition takes us from agreement to delivery in building a highly capable European propulsion hub that complements and reinforces our global industrial footprint. CMD brings proven expertise in piston engines and advanced propulsion technologies, and our role is to help it grow, investing in its people, facilities and technology so it can meet the demand we see across unmanned, maritime and automotive markets. Together, we will accelerate the development of competitive, export-ready products for our customers.”
Mariano Negri, Chief Executive Officer of CMD Group, said: “This partnership marks a significant milestone for our region, our facilities and, above all, our people. By combining CMD’s engineering expertise with EDGE’s industrial strength, we are well positioned to increase production capacity, scale our operations and accelerate growth across all business segments. The partnership also enables us to further enhance our capabilities and deliver high-value technologies to customers on a truly global scale.”
European Expansion and Local Collaboration
The acquisition expands EDGE’s footprint in advanced engineering, Industry 4.0 and power solutions, and follows the model behind EDGE Europe, which was launched in Paris in June 2026. The group builds in Europe, employs European talent and develops technology on European soil, working with established companies to strengthen national industrial bases rather than compete with them. EDGE also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Basilicata Region during its visit to CMD in June 2026, supporting industrial collaboration, knowledge exchange and talent development in the area where CMD operates.
CMD was founded in 1989 by the Negri family and has earned an international reputation for technical precision, innovation and high quality standards, with expertise in precision engine components and powertrain technologies. It joins EDGE’s growing portfolio of companies, joint ventures and strategic partnerships across Europe, which together form a manufacturing base built to deliver capability at speed and scale for customers worldwide.
