Raytheon Company, which specializes in defense, security and civil markets throughout the world, today announced it has acquired Blackbird Technologies, a provider of surveillance, cybersecurity, and secure tactical communications to the Intelligence Community (IC) and special operations market. The purchase price is approximately $420 million, and after the transaction, Blackbird will become part of Raytheon’s Intelligence, Information and Services (IIS) business.
“Blackbird Technologies is a strong fit for Raytheon and enhances the growth prospects of our business and the capabilities we can offer our customers,” said Lynn Dugle, President of Raytheon Intelligence Information and Services. “Blackbird expands Raytheon’s already-established footprint in the Intelligence Community market while helping to grow our cyber operations and special missions support to the Department of Defense. The combination will bring even more talent, innovation and experience to our customers.”
This acquisition will expand Raytheon’s special operations capabilities in surveillance, reconnaissance, tactical intelligence, secure tactical communications and cybersecurity due to Blackbird Technologies’ widespread market presence in the IC, Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and the intelligence organizations that support the Department of Defense (DOD). Blackbird Technologies will complement Raytheon’s current cybersecurity, communications, sensor, and command and control capabilities, making Raytheon one of the top industry partners to SOCOM.
“Raytheon’s purchase of Blackbird follows on the heels of Lockheed’s recent acquisition of Zeta and CACI’s acquisition of Six3Systems a year ago,” said Bob Kipps, Managing Director of KippsDeSanto & Co. about the acquisition. “Quality, scarcity, differentiation, size are increasingly important (and driving super premium prices) as the long-term industry players reload for the National Security market of the future.”
“Raytheon is driven by innovation and a relentless focus on customer success. We are excited to join a company that is such a great cultural fit for Blackbird’s employees and customers,” said Peggy Styer, Blackbird Technologies CEO. “Raytheon’s extraordinary technical depth and our combined capabilities in cyber security, persistent surveillance, and secure tactical communications will allow us to deliver the next generation of end-to-end solutions to our customers in the IC and special operations markets.”
