AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) (“AV” or the “Company”) and BlueHalo LLC (“BlueHalo”) today announced the execution of a definitive agreement under which AV will acquire BlueHalo in an all-stock transaction with an enterprise value of approximately $4.1 billion, creating a more diversified global leader in all-domain
defense technologies. The combined company will bring together complementary capabilities to offer a comprehensive portfolio of high-growth franchises, powered by cutting-edge technology and focused on addressing the most important priorities and needs of our nation and allies around the globe.
BlueHalo, an Arlington Capital Partners portfolio company, was founded as a purpose-built platform providing industry-leading capabilities in several key mission areas: Space Technologies, Counter-Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (cUAS), Directed Energy, Electronic Warfare, Cyber, Artificial Intelligence and other Emerging Technologies including Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (UUVs). Since its founding in 2019, BlueHalo’s notable accomplishments include being the first to successfully operationally field directed energy (DE) laser weapon systems (LWS) with its LOCUST LWS, being awarded Space Force’s multi-billion dollar program to transform space operations with BADGER, its adaptive phased array product and serving as a leader in Radio Frequency Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (RF C-UAS), delivering its 1000th system last year with its Titan and Titan-SV systems. BlueHalo has focused on cutting-edge research and development allowing for the development of products and services to transform the future of global defense.
BlueHalo estimates that it will achieve more than $900 million in revenues for 2024, in addition to funded backlog of nearly $600 million and a pipeline of multiple billion-dollar opportunities and programs of record. BlueHalo generated approximately $886 million of revenue in 2023, compared to $759 million and $660 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively.1
The acquisition of BlueHalo will create a diversified Defense Tech company with a highly complementary and differentiated portfolio of solutions in Uncrewed Systems, short and long range Loitering Munitions, Counter UAS, Space Technologies, Electronic Warfare and Cyber, powered by AI and Autonomy. This combination will drive innovation, expand manufacturing capacity and enable us to better support our customers and their critical missions. AV expects that BlueHalo’s portfolio of 10 flagship solution families and more than 100 patents will seamlessly integrate with AV’s complementary existing expertise in the design, development, manufacturing, training and servicing of Uncrewed Systems, Loitering Munitions and Advanced Technologies. AV and BlueHalo believe that these synergies will primarily be identified as administrative and operational cost savings and sharing best practices from each company. The companies’ shared culture of agile innovation and mission expertise will enable the combined entity to develop and deliver next-generation technologies that will have significant military value and redefine the next era of Defense Technology. On a pro forma basis, the combined company is expected to deliver more than $1.7 billion in revenue.
“For over 50 years, AV has pioneered innovative solutions on the battlefield, and today we are poised to usher in the next era of defense technology through our combination with BlueHalo,” said Wahid Nawabi, AV chairman, president and chief executive officer.
1 All revenue figures for BlueHalo are presented as if all acquisitions made by BlueHalo and companies acquired by BlueHalo had been owned by BlueHalo for the entirety of the applicable calendar year, irrespective of the actual date of acquisition. Amounts will differ from revenue figures reported for BlueHalo under GAAP, which will only include revenue from and after the applicable date of acquisition. Amounts will also differ from any presentation made under Article 11 of Regulation S-X, which would not require inclusion of certain insignificant or immaterial acquisitions.
“BlueHalo not only brings key franchises and complementary capabilities, but also a wealth of technologies, diverse customers and exceptional talent to AV. Together, we will drive agile innovation and deliver comprehensive, next-generation solutions designed to redefine the future of defense. We are thrilled to welcome the talented BlueHalo team as we unite our strengths, expand our global impact and accelerate growth and value creation for AV shareholders.”
Jonathan Moneymaker, chief executive officer of BlueHalo, said, “BlueHalo was founded to address the most pressing challenges confronting the defense and national security community, from unconventional threats to near-peer adversaries. We have pioneered solutions for drone warfare, distributed autonomy, and the need for more robust and assured access to space in an increasingly contested, crowded and competitive domain. Through these efforts, we have earned our reputation as a trusted partner in defense innovation. By uniting with AV, we are building an organization equipped to meet emerging defense priorities and deliver purpose-driven, state-of-the-art solutions with unmatched speed. Together, we remain committed to protecting those who defend us while driving the next generation of transformational advancements in defense technology.”
Strategic and Financial Benefits:
· Creates a diversified industry leader. This transaction brings together AV’s established portfolio of cutting-edge defense solutions with BlueHalo’s emerging and industry-defining technologies. This union will provide customers with a comprehensive suite of solutions across multiple domains—including air, land, sea, space and cyber. Together, AV and BlueHalo will create a leader in integrated defense technologies with a global footprint capable of addressing the full spectrum of modern defense.
· Increases agility and speed, with enhanced infrastructure, manufacturing capabilities and geographic footprint. The combined company will benefit from greater resources, enabling faster innovation and more efficient deployment of critical defense systems.
· Supports AV’s entry into additional key defense segments and builds on the Company’s strong track record of providing essential solutions. With BlueHalo’s portfolio, AV will enter into new segments that will significantly increase the Company’s total addressable market, including Counter-UAS, Directed Energy, Electronic Warfare, Cyber and Space technologies. The acquisition will bring with it BlueHalo’s key programs of record, deep customer relationships and strong backlog and pipeline, positioning the future company as a more robust and sustainable prime defense solution provider. This partnership will enhance AV’s ability to meet the evolving needs of the Department of Defense (DoD) and allied nations with a robust suite of innovative solutions.
· Diversifies mix of customers, products and revenue. The combined company is expected to achieve a more balanced and diversified customer base, product and revenue mix, benefiting from BlueHalo’s established presence in key emerging defense markets. The combined company will benefit from expanded geographical reach, with the ability to provide BlueHalo’s solutions to AV’s larger international customer base. By integrating complementary capabilities, AV will be well-positioned to generate sustained long-term value for shareholders.
· Generates attractive returns. AV expects the transaction to be accretive to revenue, adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP EPS in the first full fiscal year post-close.
Transaction Details
The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by both companies’ board of directors or managers, is expected to close in the first half of calendar 2025, subject to regulatory and AV shareholder approvals, as well as other customary closing conditions.
Per the terms of the merger agreement, AV will issue approximately 18.5 million shares of AV common stock to BlueHalo.
Following the close of the transaction and based on AV’s shares outstanding as of November 18, 2024, AV’s shareholders will own approximately 60.5% of the combined company and BlueHalo’s equity holders will own approximately 39.5%, subject to closing adjustments. Arlington Capital Partners, an investment firm that is the majority owner of BlueHalo, will retain a significant ownership stake in the combined company.
We expect substantially all of the BlueHalo holders to enter lock-up agreements with respect to their transaction consideration, with 40% releasing 12 months post close and the remaining 60% to be released in equal tranches 18 and 24 months after the close.
Leadership, Governance and Headquarters
Following the completion of the transaction, AV Chairman, President and CEO Wahid Nawabi will be Chairman, President and CEO of the combined company. Jonathan Moneymaker, CEO of BlueHalo, will serve as a strategic advisor to Mr. Nawabi and the combined company Management Team.
Upon closing, the AV Board of Directors will be expanded to comprise 10 members. Arlington Capital Partners will have the right to appoint two directors to the Board, subject to minimum ownership thresholds.
The combined company will be at headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, at AV’s corporate headquarters.
Conference Call and Webcast
AV will host a conference call to discuss the transaction. Details are below.
Date: November 19, 2024
Time: 8:00 a.m. ET | 5:00 a.m. PT | 6:00 a.m. MT | 7:00 a.m. CT
Participant registration URL: https://register.vevent.com/register/BIe5d12b8272ca4a85b299c6205a7efea8
The live audio webcast will also be accessible via the Investor Relations section of AV’s website, http://investor.avinc.com. Please access the site 15 minutes before the event to ensure any necessary software is downloaded.
Advisors
RBC Capital Markets is serving as financial advisor and Latham & Watkins LLP is serving as legal advisor to AV. Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher is serving as strategic communications advisor to AV. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is serving as financial advisor and Goodwin Procter LLP is serving as legal advisor to Arlington Capital Partners and BlueHalo.
About AeroVironment, Inc.
AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) provides technology solutions at the intersection of robotics, sensors, software analytics and connectivity that deliver more actionable intelligence so you can Proceed with Certainty. Headquartered in Virginia, AeroVironment is a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, and serves defense, government and commercial customers. For more information, visit www.avinc.com.
About BlueHalo
BlueHalo is purpose-built to provide industry-leading capabilities in the areas of Space, C-UAS and Autonomous Systems, Electronic Warfare & Cyber, and AI/ML. The company develops and brings to market next-generation capabilities to support customers’ critical missions and national security. Learn more at http://www.bluehalo.com.
About Arlington Capital Partners
Arlington Capital Partners is a Washington, D.C.-area private investment firm specializing in government-regulated industries. The firm partners with founders and management teams to build strategically important businesses in the government services and technology, aerospace and defense, and healthcare sectors. Since its inception in 1999, Arlington has invested in over 175 companies and is currently investing out of its $3.8 billion Fund VI. For more information, visit Arlington’s website at www.arlingtoncap.com and follow Arlington on LinkedIn.
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