Latest news with #BillGattle
Broadcast Pro
13-08-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Rocket Lab complete acquisition of Geost
The acquisition expands Rocket Labs end-to-end mission solutions with advanced electro-optical and infrared payloads for missile warning, tracking, and space domain awareness. Rocket Lab Corporation has completed the acquisition of the parent holding company of Geost, LLC (Geost), a developer of electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensor systems for national security space missions, from Lightridge Solutions, a portfolio company of ATL Partners. The acquisition, first announced on May 27, 2025, was completed for $275m before closing adjustments, comprising approximately $125m in cash and 3,057,588 shares of Rocket Lab common stock, with an additional potential earnout of up to $50m tied to future revenue targets of Geosts business. With the closing of the transaction, Rocket Lab secures its status as a disruptive prime contractor for next-generation defence initiatives like the Golden Dome for America concept, and the Space Development Agencys Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, adding Optical Systems to its portfolio of capabilities as a provider of complete, mission-ready spacecraft for US national security programs. Geosts EO/IR technologies support missile warning and tracking, tactical intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, Earth observation and space domain awareness, core capabilities critical to US space assets operating in increasingly contested environments. Founded in 2004, Geost brings a proven record of performance across classified and unclassified missions, supplying resilient payloads that enhance national security and space situational awareness. In combining with Rocket Lab, Geost will tap into the Companys resources and manufacturing expertise to boost high-volume production, making EO/IR technologies available at scale. Sir Peter Beck, Rocket Lab founder and CEO, said: 'Being able to quickly build and deploy entire satellite systems is the cornerstone of future US defense strategy, and with this acquisition, were accelerating the delivery of mission critical payloads that support US national security projects. This acquisition strengthens our role in building the resilient, responsive space architecture envisioned under Golden Dome, combining Geosts proven sensing technologies with Rocket Labs ability to scale fast, secure, and integrated space solutions.' Bill Gattle, CEO of Lightridge Solutions, added: 'This is a pivotal next step for Geost. Becoming part of Rocket Lab enables Geost to take its sensing technologies further, fasterjoining forces with a company thats redefining space system delivery. Geost is excited to partner with a team that shares a commitment to speed, innovation, and national purpose. Together, Geost and Rocket Lab can scale production, accelerate delivery, and strengthen the critical space capabilities our nation depends on.' Geost will continue to operate in Arizona and Virginia, expanding Rocket Labs footprint across North America. In acquiring Geost, Rocket Lab will gain the companys extensive product assets and manufacturing facilities and laboratories, intellectual property and product inventory.
Scoop
13-08-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Rocket Lab Acquires Geost
This Acquisition Adds Optical Systems To Rocket Lab's Line-up Of Launch, Spacecraft, And Now Payloads For U.S. National Security Programs. Long Beach, California – August 12, 2025 – Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB) ('Rocket Lab' or the 'Company'), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it has completed the acquisition of the parent holding company of Geost, LLC ('Geost'), a leading developer of electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensor systems for national security space missions, from Lightridge Solutions, a portfolio company of ATL Partners. The acquisition, first announced on May 27, 2025, was completed for $275 million before closing adjustments, comprising approximately $125 million in cash and 3,057,588 shares of Rocket Lab common stock, with an additional potential earnout of up to $50 million tied to future revenue targets of Geost's business. With the closing of the transaction, Rocket Lab secures its status as a disruptive prime contractor for next-generation defense initiatives like the Golden Dome for America concept, and the Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, adding Optical Systems to its portfolio of capabilities as a provider of complete, mission-ready spacecraft for U.S. national security programs. Geost's EO/IR technologies support missile warning and tracking, tactical intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, Earth observation, and space domain awareness, core capabilities critical to U.S. space assets operating in increasingly contested environments. Founded in 2004, Geost brings a proven record of performance across classified and unclassified missions, supplying resilient payloads that enhance national security and space situational awareness. In combining with Rocket Lab, Geost will tap into the Company's resources and manufacturing expertise to boost high-volume production, making EO/IR technologies available at scale. Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, says: 'Being able to quickly build and deploy entire satellite systems is the cornerstone of future U.S. defense strategy, and with this acquisition, we're accelerating the delivery of mission critical payloads that support U.S. national security projects. This acquisition strengthens our role in building the resilient, responsive space architecture envisioned under Golden Dome, combining Geost's proven sensing technologies with Rocket Lab's ability to scale fast, secure, and integrated space solutions.' Bill Gattle, CEO of Lightridge Solutions, adds: 'This is a pivotal next step for Geost. Becoming part of Rocket Lab enables Geost to take its sensing technologies further, faster—joining forces with a company that's redefining space system delivery. Geost is excited to partner with a team that shares a commitment to speed, innovation, and national purpose. Together, Geost and Rocket Lab can scale production, accelerate delivery, and strengthen the critical space capabilities our nation depends on.' Geost will continue to operate in Arizona and Virginia, expanding Rocket Lab's footprint across North America. In acquiring Geost, Rocket Lab will gain the company's extensive product assets and manufacturing facilities and laboratories, intellectual property, and product inventory. +About Rocket Lab Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, satellite manufacture, spacecraft components, and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier, and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle, the HASTE suborbital launch vehicle for hypersonic tests, a family of flight proven spacecraft, and the larger Neutron launch vehicle for constellation deployment. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab's Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually. Rocket Lab has deployed 200+ payloads from its launch sites in the United States and New Zealand for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab's family of spacecraft have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a third launch pad in Virginia. To learn more, visit Founded in 2004, Geost, LLC, a LightRidge Solutions Company and portfolio company of ATL Partners, is a rapidly growing producer of affordable high-performance optical systems for critical national security space missions. The company has served its core National Security Space customer base since its founding and employs over 100 high performing professionals. For more information on Geost visit: +About ATL Partners: Founded in 2014, ATL Partners is a premier sector-focused private equity firm that invests in commercial aerospace, national security, and transportation & logistics companies. ATL brings deep sector expertise to its investment approach with experienced investment professionals and strong operating executives who have decades of combined experience in each of ATL's core sectors. For more information about ATL Partners, visit
Business Wire
12-08-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
ATL Partners Completes Sale of Geost to Rocket Lab and Advances Trident Solutions as a Defense Electronics Platform
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ATL Partners ('ATL'), a sector-focused private equity firm, today announced it has completed the sale of Geost, LLC ('Geost'), a subsidiary of its portfolio company LightRidge Solutions, to Rocket Lab USA, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB), a leading provider of mission software and space-based services. This sale marks the transition of the LightRidge Solutions portfolio, which includes Trident Systems and Ophir Corporation, to a new Trident Solutions defense electronics platform. The transaction finalizes a multi-year investment and successful exit for ATL, which acquired Geost in 2021 and supported the company's evolution into a leading provider of electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensing systems for critical national security space missions. Geost's technologies have played a key role in advancing next-generation missile warning, missile defense, and space domain awareness capabilities. 'Demand for Geost's specialized optical sensor solutions and purpose-built payloads over the past several years has been remarkable,' said Mike Kramer, Partner at ATL. 'We're proud to have supported the company in expanding its technical capabilities, deepening customer relationships, and building a strong foundation for long-term success. ATL remains focused on the rapidly evolving needs of our national security space and defense customers and is investing in expanding and scaling capabilities in mission critical defense electronics, national security space, and advanced airborne systems at Trident Solutions.' Under ATL's ownership, Geost broadened its product portfolio, invested in engineering and manufacturing scale, and became a trusted partner to government and commercial customers working on some of the nation's most urgent space and defense challenges. Bill Gattle, General Manager of Geost and CEO of LightRidge Solutions, added: 'ATL has been a key partner in helping us grow, innovate, and deliver for our customers. This transaction is the result of their support and the hard work, talent and innovation of the Geost team. We're proud of what they've accomplished and excited for their future.' Following the sale, Trident Solutions will continue the day-to-day operations of its subsidiaries, Trident Systems and Ophir Corporation. Strategic announcements for the Trident Solutions platform will be shared under the platform's Trident brand at Baird served as financial advisor and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP served as legal counsel to LightRidge. This announcement contains forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ. About ATL Partners Founded in 2014, ATL Partners is a premier sector-focused private equity firm that invests in commercial aerospace, national security, and transportation & logistics companies. ATL brings deep sector expertise to its investment approach with experienced investment professionals and strong operating executives who have decades of combined experience in each of ATL's core sectors. For more information about ATL Partners, visit About Trident Solutions Trident Solutions (Trident) is a trusted provider of proven spaceflight units, processing systems, command and control solutions, and atmospheric and airborne sensors. Formerly known as LightRidge Solutions, Trident brings more than four decades of experience delivering small, affordable, custom-built systems that solve mission-critical challenges across all orbits and domains. Its subsidiaries, Trident Systems and Ophir Corporation, drive the platform's agile development approach, enabling rapid innovation and dependable performance for national security, civil, and commercial customers. Trident maintains AS9100-certified quality management systems and is appraised at CMMI Level 3, ensuring high standards of engineering excellence and process discipline. For more information about Trident Solutions, visit
Business Wire
12-08-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Rocket Lab Closes Acquisition of Geost, Expanding Its National Security Capabilities with Launch, Spacecraft, and Now Payloads
LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB) ('Rocket Lab' or the 'Company'), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it has completed the acquisition of the parent holding company of Geost, LLC ('Geost'), a leading developer of electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensor systems for national security space missions, from Lightridge Solutions, a portfolio company of ATL Partners. The acquisition, first announced on May 27, 2025, was completed for $275 million before closing adjustments, comprising approximately $125 million in cash and 3,057,588 shares of Rocket Lab common stock, with an additional potential earnout of up to $50 million tied to future revenue targets of Geost's business. By Adding Geost to its end-to-end mission capabilities, Rocket Lab secures its status as a disruptive prime contractor for next-generation defense initiatives like Golden Dome and the Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. Share With the closing of the transaction, Rocket Lab secures its status as a disruptive prime contractor for next-generation defense initiatives like the Golden Dome for America concept, and the Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, adding Optical Systems to its portfolio of capabilities as a provider of complete, mission-ready spacecraft for U.S. national security programs. Geost's EO/IR technologies support missile warning and tracking, tactical intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, Earth observation, and space domain awareness, core capabilities critical to U.S. space assets operating in increasingly contested environments. Founded in 2004, Geost brings a proven record of performance across classified and unclassified missions, supplying resilient payloads that enhance national security and space situational awareness. In combining with Rocket Lab, Geost will tap into the Company's resources and manufacturing expertise to boost high-volume production, making EO/IR technologies available at scale. Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, says: 'Being able to quickly build and deploy entire satellite systems is the cornerstone of future U.S. defense strategy, and with this acquisition, we're accelerating the delivery of mission critical payloads that support U.S. national security projects. This acquisition strengthens our role in building the resilient, responsive space architecture envisioned under Golden Dome, combining Geost's proven sensing technologies with Rocket Lab's ability to scale fast, secure, and integrated space solutions.' Bill Gattle, CEO of Lightridge Solutions, adds: 'This is a pivotal next step for Geost. Becoming part of Rocket Lab enables Geost to take its sensing technologies further, faster—joining forces with a company that's redefining space system delivery. Geost is excited to partner with a team that shares a commitment to speed, innovation, and national purpose. Together, Geost and Rocket Lab can scale production, accelerate delivery, and strengthen the critical space capabilities our nation depends on.' Geost will continue to operate in Arizona and Virginia, expanding Rocket Lab's footprint across North America. In acquiring Geost, Rocket Lab will gain the company's extensive product assets and manufacturing facilities and laboratories, intellectual property, and product inventory. + About Rocket Lab Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, satellite manufacture, spacecraft components, and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier, and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle, the HASTE suborbital launch vehicle for hypersonic tests, a family of flight proven spacecraft, and the larger Neutron launch vehicle for constellation deployment. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab's Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually. Rocket Lab has deployed 200+ payloads from its launch sites in the United States and New Zealand for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab's family of spacecraft have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a third launch pad in Virginia. To learn more, visit + About Geost Founded in 2004, Geost, LLC, a LightRidge Solutions Company and portfolio company of ATL Partners, is a rapidly growing producer of affordable high-performance optical systems for critical national security space missions. The company has served its core National Security Space customer base since its founding and employs over 100 high performing professionals. For more information on Geost visit: + About ATL Partners: Founded in 2014, ATL Partners is a premier sector-focused private equity firm that invests in commercial aerospace, national security, and transportation & logistics companies. ATL brings deep sector expertise to its investment approach with experienced investment professionals and strong operating executives who have decades of combined experience in each of ATL's core sectors. For more information about ATL Partners, visit + Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 'Securities Act') and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 'Exchange Act'). All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the financial and business impact of the transaction and the anticipated benefits of the transaction, our ability to integrate the acquired business with our product and service offerings, our launch and space systems operations, launch schedule and window, safe and repeatable access to space, Neutron development, operational expansion and business strategy are forward-looking statements. The words 'believe,' 'may,' 'will,' 'estimate,' 'potential,' 'continue,' 'anticipate,' 'intend,' 'expect,' 'strategy,' 'future,' 'could,' 'would,' 'project,' 'plan,' 'target,' and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to risks related to the integration of proposed acquisitions, including our ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction and successfully integrate Geost's technologies, product offerings and operations, as well as the factors, risks and uncertainties included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC'), accessible on the SEC's website at and the Investor Relations section of our website at which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management's estimates as of the date of this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change.
Broadcast Pro
29-05-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Rocket Lab to acquire EO/IR payload developer Geost in $275m deal
The strategic acquisition would create an entirely new category for Rocket Lab, positioning the company as a disruptor for national security space. Rocket Lab has announced a definitive agreement to acquire the parent company of Geost, an electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) payload developer based in Tucson, Arizona. The $275m deal will be executed through a combination of $125m in cash and $150m in privately placed Rocket Lab common stock, along with the possibility of an additional $50m in cash earnouts tied to future revenue milestones. The acquisition, expected to close in the second half of 2025, represents Rocket Labs formal expansion into the satellite payload sector and significantly strengthens its position as a full-spectrum provider of national security space solutions. Geost, which has more than two decades of flight heritage supporting both classified and unclassified missions, specialises in advanced EO/IR sensor systems critical to missile warning and tracking, tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), Earth observation, and space domain awareness. These capabilities align with the US Department of Defenses push for resilient, proliferated space architectures such as the proposed Golden Dome and the Space Development Agencys Tracking Layer. By bringing Geosts payload expertise in-house, Rocket Lab aims to streamline the production of integrated spacecraft systems specifically tailored for US national security applications. The move is expected to reduce integration complexity, cut costs, and speed up delivery timelines. With Geosts high-performance sensing solutions, Rocket Lab will be better equipped to support real-time threat detection and response, enabling warfighters and mission operators to operate more effectively in increasingly contested space environments. The acquisition also introduces a new capability categoryOptical Systemsinto Rocket Labs growing portfolio and reinforces its role as a disruptor in the national security space market. Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, said: 'Rocket Lab was founded to disrupt the traditional space industry and were doing just that by expanding our ability to deliver complete, mission-critical space solutions. With the acquisition of Geost, were bringing advanced electro-optical and infrared payloads in-house to support secure, responsive, and cost-effective systems at scale. These technologies enable spacecraft that can detect, interpret, and respond to threats in real time, enhancing our role as a trusted provider of end-to-end space capabilities for the United States and its allieswith greater speed, intelligence, and operational control. Bill Gattle, Geosts General Manager and CEO of Lightridge Solutions, added: 'Integrating Geosts advanced optical capabilities is a natural next step for Rocket Lab as the company expands its end-to-end space systems. By bringing high-performance optical technologies in-house, Rocket Lab is strengthening its ability to deliver responsive, full-stack solutions for government and commercial missions. Backed by the infrastructure to produce these systems at scale, Rocket Lab is well-positioned to meet accelerating demand for high-performance space solutions. The addition of payloads to its vertically integrated portfolio not only expands mission capability but also elevates Rocket Labs standing as a leading end-to-end space systems provider.' As part of the acquisition, Rocket Lab will assume ownership of Geosts facilities and labs in Tucson and northern Virginia, along with its intellectual property, existing inventory and workforce. The deal will add 115 highly skilled professionals to Rocket Labs team, bringing the companys total headcount to over 2,600. Rocket Labs global footprint now spans key locations across the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, reinforcing its commitment to delivering cutting-edge space technologies across a rapidly evolving aerospace landscape.
