Ultra strengthens electronic warfare arm with £173m deal
DEFENCE supplier Ultra has strengthened its cyber technologies arm with a major US acquisition.
Ultra, which has major operations in Birmingham and Staffordshire, has invested £173m ($265m) acquiring the Electronic Products Division of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions.
The company said the deal would enable it to establish a major presence in the growing market of electronic warfare. It will also provide market and customer synergies with Ultra’s command control and information market segment.
EPD is a well established supplier to the attractive US electric warfare market, which Ultra said was growing at over 3% per annum. The newly-acquired business also boasts a number of long-term contracts.
Ultra said the combined business would offer important opportunities to grow market share.
EPD (formerly Herley Industries) is a leading designer and producer of RF and microwave integrated systems and subsystems for use in electronic warfare, radar, communication, missile, flight test and simulation applications. The company, headquartered in Massachusetts, employs 433 people across four offices in the US and UK.
It is a sole-source provider of proprietary technology on numerous established strategic platforms, including P-8A Poseidon, Trident II D5 missile, F-16 Fighting Falcon, Eurofighter, AMRAAM missile, and EA-18G Growler. Given its continuing investments, key capabilities, customer relationships and strong historical programme performance, EPD is also well-positioned for opportunities on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and on multiple, next-generation strategic national defence and security programmes.
It has also identified electronic warfare as a targeted growth area within its core markets – an area where Ultra is under-represented.
Rakesh Sharma, chief executive of Ultra, said: “I am pleased to announce the acquisition of EPD, and to welcome the business and its people into the Ultra Group. EPD adds significant core technologies in the RF and microwave sectors and complements the group’s communications and sensor portfolio.
“EPD has a strong position on supported legacy programmes as well as future strategic ones. Together, we have the technology, innovation and market reach which will enable us to enhance our market position in the attractive EW market, both within the US and internationally.”
