Latest news with #BillGattle
Broadcast Pro
5 days ago
- 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.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ATL Partners Announces Sale of Geost to Rocket Lab and Launches New Defense Electronics Platform, Trident Solutions
NEW YORK, May 27, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ATL Partners ("ATL"), a sector-focused private equity firm, today announced the sale of Geost, LLC ("Geost"), a subsidiary of its portfolio company LightRidge Solutions, to Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB), a leading space systems and launch services provider. This transaction represents a successful exit for ATL, which acquired Geost in 2021 and, in partnership with management, scaled the business into a market leader in electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensing technologies supporting high-priority national security space missions. With more than 20 years of flight heritage across classified and unclassified missions, Geost delivers advanced EO/IR sensor systems for missile warning and tracking, tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, Earth observation, and space domain awareness – core capabilities for achieving the U.S. Department of Defense's goals for resilient, proliferated space architectures such as the proposed Golden Dome. ATL takes a thematic approach to investing and is focused on three critical, high-growth and attractive segments of the industrial economy: commercial aerospace, national security, and transportation & logistics. Accordingly, in 2021, ATL established LightRidge Solutions as a platform to acquire national security-focused assets following the acquisition of Geost. Under ATL's ownership, Geost entered new critical mission areas, introduced innovative and affordable products for its customers, and expanded its production and engineering base to be a leading supplier of payloads. Rocket Lab's acquisition affirms the value and technical excellence Geost brings to the EO/IR payload space and meaningfully enhances Rocket Lab's integrated solutions for defense and intelligence customers. "Under ATL's ownership, Geost has been transformed into a disruptive and innovative space technology business," said Michael Kramer, a Partner at ATL Partners. "We have worked closely with Geost's talented team to accelerate growth, deepen technical capabilities, and expand customer engagement. Geost's contributions to missile warning, space domain awareness and protection, and proliferated LEO architectures have been fundamental to this success. Rocket Lab is a compelling new home for Geost's team and mission, and we are excited to see what comes next." Bill Gattle, Geost's General Manager and CEO of LightRidge Solutions, said, "We are incredibly grateful to ATL Partners for its support and strategic guidance over the past four years. With ATL's backing, we have grown into an industry leader, delivering technologies that address real mission needs for government and commercial customers. By joining forces with Rocket Lab, we are enhancing our ability to scale, accelerate innovation, and broaden our impact. We look forward to this next chapter as we continue to meet the evolving challenges of our customers and the industry." ATL Launches Trident as a Defense Electronics Platform Upon the closing of this transaction, ATL will combine the two remaining divisions of LightRidge, Trident Systems and Ophir Corporation, to form a newly integrated platform, Trident Solutions. This new entity will focus exclusively on providing mission critical electrical components, processing solutions, and airborne payloads that are aligned with the country's most pressing national security challenges. ATL believes that Trident Solutions is well positioned to serve as a partner of choice for many leading prime and government customers across multiple domains as well as capitalize on growing opportunities in defense electronics, national security space, and advanced airborne systems. ATL Partners will continue to actively support Trident Solutions as it expands its platform through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The transaction is subject to regulatory review and approval which is expected to be obtained in the second half of 2025. LightRidge and Rocket Lab will operate as independent businesses and run their operations as usual until that time. Baird served as financial advisor and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP served as legal counsel to LightRidge. 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 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: View source version on Contacts Media: Nathaniel Garnick/Justin DechiarioGasthalter & Co.(212) 257-4170 Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ATL Partners Announces Sale of Geost to Rocket Lab and Launches New Defense Electronics Platform, Trident Solutions
NEW YORK, May 27, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ATL Partners ("ATL"), a sector-focused private equity firm, today announced the sale of Geost, LLC ("Geost"), a subsidiary of its portfolio company LightRidge Solutions, to Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB), a leading space systems and launch services provider. This transaction represents a successful exit for ATL, which acquired Geost in 2021 and, in partnership with management, scaled the business into a market leader in electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensing technologies supporting high-priority national security space missions. With more than 20 years of flight heritage across classified and unclassified missions, Geost delivers advanced EO/IR sensor systems for missile warning and tracking, tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, Earth observation, and space domain awareness – core capabilities for achieving the U.S. Department of Defense's goals for resilient, proliferated space architectures such as the proposed Golden Dome. ATL takes a thematic approach to investing and is focused on three critical, high-growth and attractive segments of the industrial economy: commercial aerospace, national security, and transportation & logistics. Accordingly, in 2021, ATL established LightRidge Solutions as a platform to acquire national security-focused assets following the acquisition of Geost. Under ATL's ownership, Geost entered new critical mission areas, introduced innovative and affordable products for its customers, and expanded its production and engineering base to be a leading supplier of payloads. Rocket Lab's acquisition affirms the value and technical excellence Geost brings to the EO/IR payload space and meaningfully enhances Rocket Lab's integrated solutions for defense and intelligence customers. "Under ATL's ownership, Geost has been transformed into a disruptive and innovative space technology business," said Michael Kramer, a Partner at ATL Partners. "We have worked closely with Geost's talented team to accelerate growth, deepen technical capabilities, and expand customer engagement. Geost's contributions to missile warning, space domain awareness and protection, and proliferated LEO architectures have been fundamental to this success. Rocket Lab is a compelling new home for Geost's team and mission, and we are excited to see what comes next." Bill Gattle, Geost's General Manager and CEO of LightRidge Solutions, said, "We are incredibly grateful to ATL Partners for its support and strategic guidance over the past four years. With ATL's backing, we have grown into an industry leader, delivering technologies that address real mission needs for government and commercial customers. By joining forces with Rocket Lab, we are enhancing our ability to scale, accelerate innovation, and broaden our impact. We look forward to this next chapter as we continue to meet the evolving challenges of our customers and the industry." ATL Launches Trident as a Defense Electronics Platform Upon the closing of this transaction, ATL will combine the two remaining divisions of LightRidge, Trident Systems and Ophir Corporation, to form a newly integrated platform, Trident Solutions. This new entity will focus exclusively on providing mission critical electrical components, processing solutions, and airborne payloads that are aligned with the country's most pressing national security challenges. ATL believes that Trident Solutions is well positioned to serve as a partner of choice for many leading prime and government customers across multiple domains as well as capitalize on growing opportunities in defense electronics, national security space, and advanced airborne systems. ATL Partners will continue to actively support Trident Solutions as it expands its platform through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The transaction is subject to regulatory review and approval which is expected to be obtained in the second half of 2025. LightRidge and Rocket Lab will operate as independent businesses and run their operations as usual until that time. Baird served as financial advisor and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP served as legal counsel to LightRidge. 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 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: View source version on Contacts Media: Nathaniel Garnick/Justin DechiarioGasthalter & Co.(212) 257-4170
Business Wire
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Rocket Lab Enters Payload Market with Agreement to Acquire Geost, Positioning Itself as Disruptive Prime to U.S. National Security
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 the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire the parent holding company of Geost, LLC ('Geost'), a Tucson, Arizona-based electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) payload development and manufacturing company and provider to high-priority national security satellites, from Lightridge Solutions, a portfolio company of ATL Partners, for $275 million in a mix of $125 million of cash and $150 million in privately placed shares of Rocket Lab common stock, plus up to $50 million in potential additional cash earnout payments tied to revenue targets. The acquisition marks Rocket Lab's formal entry into the satellite payload segment, strengthening the Company's position as a provider of end-to-end national security space solutions. The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2025. The acquisition marks Rocket Lab's formal entry into the satellite payload segment, strengthening the Company's position as a provider of end-to-end national security space solutions. Share With more than 20 years of flight heritage across classified and unclassified missions, Geost delivers advanced EO/IR sensor systems for missile warning and tracking, tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, Earth observation, and space domain awareness—core capabilities for achieving the U.S. Department of Defense's goals for resilient, proliferated space architectures, like the proposed Golden Dome architecture and the Space Development Agency's Tracking Layer. By bringing these mission critical payloads in-house, Rocket Lab enhances its ability to rapidly deliver integrated spacecraft systems purpose-built for U.S. national security, while reducing integration risk, reducing costs, and accelerating timelines. Geost's full suite of sensing solutions enables warfighters and mission operators to protect, defend, and execute with speed and precision in increasingly contested space environments. The acquisition adds Optical Systems as a new category within Rocket Lab's deep portfolio of capabilities, cementing the Company's role as a disruptor in national security space. Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, says: 'Rocket Lab was founded to disrupt the traditional space industry and we're doing just that by expanding our ability to deliver complete, mission-critical space solutions. With the acquisition of Geost, we're 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 allies—with greater speed, intelligence, and operational control.' Bill Gattle, Geost's General Manager and CEO of Lightridge Solutions, adds: 'Integrating Geost's 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 Lab's standing as a leading end-to-end space systems provider.' In acquiring Geost, Rocket Lab will gain the company's extensive product assets and manufacturing facilities and laboratories across Tucson and northern Virginia, intellectual property, and product inventory. The addition of Geost's 115 highly trained professionals will bring Rocket Lab's total headcount to more than 2,600 employees across its space manufacturing complexes, test facilities, and launch sites in California, Virginia, Colorado, Maryland, New Mexico, Toronto, New Zealand, and now Tucson. Rocket Lab will host a conference call for investors at 2:00 p.m. PST (5:00 p.m. EST) today to discuss the agreement. The live webcast and a replay of the webcast will be available on Rocket Lab's Investor Relations website: + 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, the closing of the transaction and the timing thereof, 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 closing and 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.
Business Wire
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
ATL Partners Announces Sale of Geost to Rocket Lab and Launches New Defense Electronics Platform, Trident Solutions
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ATL Partners ('ATL'), a sector-focused private equity firm, today announced the sale of Geost, LLC ('Geost'), a subsidiary of its portfolio company LightRidge Solutions, to Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB), a leading space systems and launch services provider. This transaction represents a successful exit for ATL, which acquired Geost in 2021 and, in partnership with management, scaled the business into a market leader in electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensing technologies supporting high-priority national security space missions. With more than 20 years of flight heritage across classified and unclassified missions, Geost delivers advanced EO/IR sensor systems for missile warning and tracking, tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, Earth observation, and space domain awareness – core capabilities for achieving the U.S. Department of Defense's goals for resilient, proliferated space architectures such as the proposed Golden Dome. ATL takes a thematic approach to investing and is focused on three critical, high-growth and attractive segments of the industrial economy: commercial aerospace, national security, and transportation & logistics. Accordingly, in 2021, ATL established LightRidge Solutions as a platform to acquire national security-focused assets following the acquisition of Geost. Under ATL's ownership, Geost entered new critical mission areas, introduced innovative and affordable products for its customers, and expanded its production and engineering base to be a leading supplier of payloads. Rocket Lab's acquisition affirms the value and technical excellence Geost brings to the EO/IR payload space and meaningfully enhances Rocket Lab's integrated solutions for defense and intelligence customers. 'Under ATL's ownership, Geost has been transformed into a disruptive and innovative space technology business,' said Michael Kramer, a Partner at ATL Partners. 'We have worked closely with Geost's talented team to accelerate growth, deepen technical capabilities, and expand customer engagement. Geost's contributions to missile warning, space domain awareness and protection, and proliferated LEO architectures have been fundamental to this success. Rocket Lab is a compelling new home for Geost's team and mission, and we are excited to see what comes next.' Bill Gattle, Geost's General Manager and CEO of LightRidge Solutions, said, 'We are incredibly grateful to ATL Partners for its support and strategic guidance over the past four years. With ATL's backing, we have grown into an industry leader, delivering technologies that address real mission needs for government and commercial customers. By joining forces with Rocket Lab, we are enhancing our ability to scale, accelerate innovation, and broaden our impact. We look forward to this next chapter as we continue to meet the evolving challenges of our customers and the industry.' ATL Launches Trident as a Defense Electronics Platform Upon the closing of this transaction, ATL will combine the two remaining divisions of LightRidge, Trident Systems and Ophir Corporation, to form a newly integrated platform, Trident Solutions. This new entity will focus exclusively on providing mission critical electrical components, processing solutions, and airborne payloads that are aligned with the country's most pressing national security challenges. ATL believes that Trident Solutions is well positioned to serve as a partner of choice for many leading prime and government customers across multiple domains as well as capitalize on growing opportunities in defense electronics, national security space, and advanced airborne systems. ATL Partners will continue to actively support Trident Solutions as it expands its platform through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The transaction is subject to regulatory review and approval which is expected to be obtained in the second half of 2025. LightRidge and Rocket Lab will operate as independent businesses and run their operations as usual until that time. Baird served as financial advisor and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP served as legal counsel to LightRidge. 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 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:
