CMD’s entry into the UAE-based EDGE Group marks a new phase in the development of propulsion technologies for the automotive, aerospace and maritime sectors. The acquisition aims to strengthen the Italian company’s manufacturing and R&D capabilities while expanding its international presence.
Italian engineering expertise is becoming increasingly integrated into global technology networks. CMD, a company specializing in the design, prototyping and development of advanced propulsion systems, has officially joined EDGE Group, the Abu Dhabi-based technology company operating in defense, autonomous systems and advanced industrial applications.
The acquisition, announced in May and finalized on October 26, 2026, following regulatory approval, gives EDGE a controlling stake in CMD. Mariano and Giorgio Negri, descendants of the company’s founders, will retain a significant shareholding and continue to contribute to its management, ensuring industrial and technological continuity.
The strategic significance of the acquisition lies primarily in CMD’s engineering expertise in propulsion technologies, at a time when increasingly specialized and adaptable solutions are required across different mobility and industrial applications.
Founded in 1989, CMD has progressively expanded its activities beyond conventional automotive engineering into aerospace, maritime, energy and defense applications. The company operates four manufacturing facilities in Atella, southern Italy, and an R&D center in San Nicola La Strada, near Caserta. With more than 220 employees, CMD recorded revenues of approximately €40 million in 2025.
From piston engines to advanced propulsion systems
Joining EDGE is expected to enable CMD to increase its manufacturing capacity and accelerate the development of new technologies, building on its established expertise in piston engines and advanced propulsion systems.
Among the most immediate opportunities are propulsion solutions for EDGE’s unmanned aerial systems. According to the companies, advanced negotiations are already underway for significant contracts that could materialize before the end of 2026.
At the same time, EDGE is exploring new maritime applications for CMD’s high-performance engines, potentially involving Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), the group’s shipbuilding subsidiary, and other strategic partners.
The automotive sector will also remain a core business area, with CMD continuing to support existing customers while pursuing new opportunities.
The broader objective is to establish a highly specialized European propulsion hub, combining engineering expertise, applied research and manufacturing capabilities with EDGE’s international industrial network.
“CMD brings established expertise in piston engines and advanced propulsion technologies,” said Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE, emphasizing the group’s intention to invest in people, infrastructure and technology to address growing demand from the autonomous systems, maritime and automotive markets.
For the motor engineering industry, the acquisition highlights the increasing strategic value of specialized expertise in propulsion system design, development and industrialization, extending beyond traditional automotive applications.
