Archive for the ‘Mergers and Acquisitions’ Category

Federal Sector M&A: First Quarter Observations and 2010 Outlook

Monday, June 28th, 2010

Mergers and acquisition activity in the federal sector is off to a strong start in 2010. Several market trends witnessed in the first quarter suggest that M&A deals will continue at a brisk pace for the foreseeable future, supported by current industry dynamics. Aronson Capital Partners has observed several key market themes that we expect to catalyze M&A activity over the next 12 to 24 months.  For more of Aronson Capital Partners’ view of the federal M& A market, read articles from ACP’s The Mid-Market Ticker, 2nd Quarter 2010 by clicking the links below:

• Federal Sector M&A: First Quarter Observations and 2010 Outlook
• Comments on Public Buyers’ Acquisition Strategies
• Private Equity Hunkers Down in the Government Services Market
• Defence and Private Equity: Perfect Partners
• Recent Transactions: AST Acquires Seismic LLC

Aronson Capital Partners (ACP) is an investment bank providing M&A advisory and corporate finance services to middle-market government technology and professional services companies.  ACP offers clients a unique understanding of the business and its marketplace, strong relationships with strategic buyers aggressively pursuing acquisitions, and an unmatched track record of achieving superior results for shareholders.  Contact Larry Davis, Partner, 301.231.6225, ldavis@aronsoncapitalpartners.com for additional information.

Defense and Private Equity: Perfect Partners Make Their Mark on the Defense and GTS Markets

Friday, May 14th, 2010

“Private equity firms are playing a critical role in the development of the middle-market defence and government technology services (GTS) companies they acquire. The investments made by private equity funds in the industry have created many of the premier public companies.  Once dominated by the activity of a few giants, the number of private equity firms that are active acquirers today has increased dramatically.”

Aronson Capital Partner’s Philip McMann writes further in the May 5, 2010 issue of Janes Defence Weekly, “Private equity funds now account for a significant share of the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions.  Several factors have attracted private equity firms to the defence industry.  Despite years of industry consolidation, the defence and GTS markets remain highly fragmented and there are several thousand government contractors with revenues of less than USD100 million.” Click here for the full article.

Philip McMann is a managing director with Aronson Capital Partners (ACP), an investment bank providing M&A advisory and corporate finance services to middle-market government technology and professional services companies.  ACP offers clients a unique understanding of the business and its marketplace, strong relationships with strategic buyers aggressively pursuing acquisitions, and an unmatched track record of achieving superior results for shareholders.  Contact Phil McMann at 301.231.6202 or pmcmann@aronsoncompany.com for more information.

Cyber Security’s new player – Applied Signal Technology, Inc. Acquires Seismic, LLC

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

Aronson Capital Partners (ACP) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Seismic LLC by Applied Signal Technology, Inc. (AST).  ACP identified the acquisition target and served as AST’s financial advisor in this transaction.

Seismic LLC, headquartered in Hanover, Maryland, provides highly specialized cyber security solutions, software engineering, data management, and systems engineering and integration services for the U.S. Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community.  AST (NASDAQ: APSG) provides advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) products, systems, and services to enhance global security. The acquisition of Seismic will reinforce AST’s efforts in Cyber Threat Intelligence, Computer Network Defense and Predictive Security, Information Advantage and Computer Network Operations.

The completion of the Seismic transaction represents ACP’s fourth successful Cyber Security assignment since January 2008.  We welcome the opportunity to discuss how Aronson Capital Partners can assist you in achieving your strategic objectives. Contact Phil McMann from Aronson Capital Partners at 301.231.6202 or pmcmann@aronsoncompany.com for more information. (more…)

ACP Advises Capital City Technologies, Inc. on its Sale to Ernst & Young

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

Aronson Capital Partners (ACP) is pleased to announce the acquisition of client, Capital City Technologies, Inc. (CCT) on October 30, 2009 by Ernst & Young U.S. LLP.  ACP served as the exclusive advisor to CCT in this transaction.

Based in Atlanta, Capital City advises senior-level public sector executives responsible for executing high-priority business transformation and ERP efforts. Ernst & Young is a member firm of the global Ernst & Young organization, a worldwide leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. CCT’s service offerings will complement Ernst & Young’s existing offerings in its Government & Public Sector practice.

This represents the 8th transaction completed by Aronson Capital Partners in 2009 and embodies several key trends in the government IT and professional services market:
• Continuing M&A interest among strategic buyers focused on niche businesses that are well positioned in areas of national priority;
• The emergence of commercial and diversified buyers due to relative stability in the government services market;
• An ongoing emphasis within the federal government on transforming financial systems and better leveraging IT to reduce costs and drive efficiency

Aronson Capital Partners is a leading M&A advisor to middle-market government contractors and professional services organizations. ACP provides a full range of M&A and corporate finance advisory services to help clients achieve their growth and liquidity objectives. With an exclusive focus on the federal sector, ACP is able to provide clients with a unique industry perspective along with access to long-standing relationships with key industry participants. Contact Larry Davis, Managing Partner, 301.231.6225, ldavis@aronsoncapitalpartners.com for more information.

Camber Corporation Acquires Veritas Analytics, Inc. – A Focus On Counter Cyber Terrorism

Monday, October 19th, 2009

Aronson Capital Partners (“ACP”) is pleased to announce the sale of Veritas Analytics, Inc. to Camber Corporation, a portfolio company of New Mountain Capital, L.L.C. on October 1, 2009. ACP served as the exclusive financial advisor to Veritas Analytics in this transaction.

The Veritas Analytics acquisition comes just weeks after Camber acquired i2S, Inc. (Ideas to Solutions), the Columbia, MD-based intelligence analysis and solutions firm. Both Veritas and i2S are part of Camber’s National Security Group, based in Centerville, VA, and signal that Camber is achieving its goal to offer a comprehensive, failsafe approach to preventing cyber terrorism.  ACP also served as the exclusive advisor to client, i2S, for that acquisition.

Aronson Capital Partners is a leading M&A advisor to middle-market government contractors and professional services organizations. ACP provides a full range of M&A and corporate finance advisory services to help clients achieve their growth and liquidity objectives. With an exclusive focus on the federal sector, ACP is able to provide clients with a unique industry perspective along with access to long-standing relationships with key industry participants. Contact Larry Davis, Managing Partner, 301.231.6225, ldavis@aronsoncapitalpartners.com for more information.

2009 Government IT M&A Conference – Oct 20, 2009

Monday, October 12th, 2009

Tuesday, October 20, 2009, 7:30-10:00 am – Stay ahead of the competition by hearing directly from the region’s preeminent dealmakers in the Federal IT space. Keynote speaker and leading analyst Bill Loomis of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company will present his assessment of recent public and private market trends affecting government contractors. Stan Soloway, President and CEO of the Professional Services Council, will provide an update on significant legislative and political activity concerning the sector. A panel of executives and advisors will discuss in detail their strategies and plans to grow their businesses notwithstanding difficult market conditions. The panel will include Larry A. Davis, Managing Partner of Aronson Capital Partners, LLC.

This program is free of charge, but registration is required by Thursday, October 15, 2009.

For more information, please contact Jamie Graham

Tuesday, October 20, 2009
7:30-10:00 am
The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner
1700 Tysons Blvd.
McLean, VA 22102
7:30-8:00 am
Registration & Networking
8:00-10:00 am
Program

The Global Economy May Be Suffering but Federal Mergers and Acquisitions Lead the M&A Market

Friday, August 21st, 2009

The mergers and acquisitions marketplace is very optimistic about the M&A outlook for the federal sector, particularly in the middle-market. History shows that increased economic and industry turbulence have been key drivers of M&A activity in the federal sector. Even throughout the current economic downturn, the federal services M&A market, while down from record historical levels, has been a leader in U.S. M&A activity. Despite a slight decrease in volume, deals continue to get done at attractive prices and terms. Historically, the federal sector has outperformed the S&P 500 during periods of prolonged economic downturn, offering a “safe harbor” from market dislocations that depress economic growth. The top four aerospace & defense contractors have outperformed the S&P 500 by an average of 42% during the past five US economic recessions. Click to read the August’s The Mid-Market Ticker for more of Aronson Capital Partners’ view of the federal M& A market.

Accelligence LLC acquired by A-T Solutions, Inc.

Tuesday, June 9th, 2009

May 20, 2009 – Aronson Capital Partners (“ACP”) is pleased to announce the sale of Accelligence LLC to A-T Solutions, Inc., a portfolio company of CoVant Technologies, LLC. ACP served as the exclusive financial advisor to Accelligence Holdings LLC in this transaction.A-T Solutions, Inc., a world-class, industry-leading anti- and counter-terrorism solutions company based in Fredericksburg, Va., has acquired Accelligence LLC, a Vienna, Va.-based firm providing intelligence and mission-focused solutions to organizations within the U.S. Government and the Intelligence Community.  Read more

Aronson Capital Partners is a leading M&A advisor to middle-market government contractors and professional services organizations. ACP provides a full range of M&A and corporate finance advisory services to help clients achieve their growth and liquidity objectives. With an exclusive focus on the federal sector, we are able to provide clients with a unique industry perspective along with access to long-standing relationships with key industry participants. Contact Larry Davis, Managing Partner, 301.231.6225, ldavis@aronsoncapitalpartners.com for more information.

Cyber Security A Top Obama Administration Priority

Monday, June 8th, 2009

A tidal wave of federal spending and contract opportunities is expected as the cyber threat has been elevated to one of the Obama administration’s top priorities. This is the message and key takeaway from the Cyber Security: Navigating a Rapidly Evolving Market executive briefing event and panel discussion co-hosted by Aronson Capital Partners and the Civitas Group in Tysons Corner, Virginia on May 29, 2009.

The private sector will play a prominent role in the Federal Government’s cyber security agenda and securing the nation’s critical infrastructure. Industry experts also cautioned against a “one size fits all” approach to cyber security and encouraged business executives and cyber practitioners to work together proactively with their customers to better understand the threat, emerging requirements and technical expertise necessary to secure critical infrastructure and operate in the digital age.  Whatever specific form the future cyber security market takes, it remains an area of considerable focus for the current administration and one that represents a fantastic opportunity for private-public collaboration in seeking solutions that will assure our national security in this critical field.  For additional information on the cyber market and implications for M&A activity from the executive briefing, click here

Aronson Capital Partners(ACP) provides a full range of M&A and corporate finance advisory services to help clients achieve their growth and liquidity objectives. With an exclusive focus on the federal sector, we are able to provide clients with a unique industry perspective along with access to long-standing relationships with key industry participants. If you have any questions on this topic, please feel free to contact Phil McMann from Aronson Capital Partners at 301.231.6202 or pmcmann@aronsoncompany.com.

M&A Report: Good news for government contractors…

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

In the March 2009 issue of The Global M&A and Private Equity Report, Factset research reported that the outlook for government services companies looks promising, with M&A activity and valuations holding up relative to other market sectors. The US M&A Report article referenced a recent report by Aronson Capital Partners (ACP).

Worries about the fate of defense spending have pushed down the value of the biggest companies in the sector by 28% over the past year, according to a report from middle-market M&A advisor Aronson Capital Partners.  Yet firms that specialize in more general types of government services have only seen their value decline 1% over the same period.  That divergence means that investors are still bullish on growth in government spending, says ACP Managing Partner Larry Davis. Aside from the new stimulus plan, an aging government workforce will require more outsourcing and modernization.  To view the full US M&A Report article click here.

Aronson Capital Partners provides a full range of M&A and corporate finance advisory services to help clients achieve their growth and liquidity objectives. For more information Contact Larry Davis, 301.231.6225, ldavis@aronsoncapitalpartners.com.