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KippsDeSanto & Co. Advises Data Works on its sale to E3 Federal Solutions/Sentinel, a NewSpring Holdings Company

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KippsDeSanto & Co. Advises Data Works on its sale to E3 Federal Solutions/Sentinel, a NewSpring Holdings Company

KippsDeSanto & Co. is pleased to announce the sale of Data Works, Inc. (“Data Works” or the “Company”) to E3 Federal Solutions | Sentinel (“E3/Sentinel”), a NewSpring Holdings Company.

Headquartered in Reston, VA, Data Works is a leading provider of mission analytics, big data, and rapid software development solutions to the Intelligence Community (“IC”).  The Company has established significant past performance with its intimate knowledge of the development of big data systems used to organize and analyze vast amounts of mission critical data.  Data Works delivers end-to-end enterprise data management solutions addressing the challenges of capturing, transforming, and delivering data to support Intelligence clients.

The combination of the two firms allows E3/Sentinel to expand its data engineering, advanced analytics,  and software development capabilities for all its federal government clients.  The acquisition of Data Works also brings dynamic intelligence customers that the combined entity can better support and service.  The combined entity consists of over 650 experienced and dedicated employees that provide solutions including: digital transformation and innovation, project and portfolio management, mission analytics and strategic advisory, and engineering and technical services.

We believe this investment demonstrates several key trends in the government services environment:

  • Continued demand for high-growth IC-oriented firms with sustainable profitability;
  • Buyers and investors are increasingly focused on companies with strong past performance, customer relationships, unrestricted contracts, and near-term revenue visibility; and
  • Increasing M&A activity by private equity – via new platforms and add-ons to existing portfolio companies

About KippsDeSanto & Co.: KippsDeSanto & Co. is a  investment banking firm focused on serving growth-oriented Aerospace / Defense, Government Services and Technology companies.  We are focused on delivering exceptional M&A and Financing transaction results to our clients via leveraging our scale, creativity, and industry experience. We help market leaders realize their full strategic value.  Having advised on over 100 industry transactions, KippsDeSanto is recognized for our analytical rigor, market insight, and broad industry relationships.  There is no substitute for experience.  For more information, visit www.kippsdesanto.com.

Press Release

E3/Sentinel Announces Acquisition of Data Works, Inc.

August 1, 2019

McLean, VA – E3/Sentinel, a NewSpring Holdings company and a leader in mission-focused, service driven solutions, today announced it has acquired Data Works, Inc., a leading provider of mission analytics, big data, and rapid software development solutions to the Intelligence Community. With this acquisition E3/Sentinel will expand its data engineering, advanced analytics and software development capability, bringing more robust offerings to all its federal government customers. The acquisition is effective today, and the companies will combine business operations in the coming year.

Data Works, founded in 2006 with headquarters in Reston, Virginia, primarily supports the Intelligence Community and specializes in the development of big data systems used to organize and analyze vast amounts of mission critical data. Core to the organization, Data Works delivers end-to-end enterprise data management solutions addressing the challenges of capturing, transforming, and delivering data to all those who rely on it to fulfill their mission needs.

“We are excited to add Data Works and their exceptional people and capability to our platform,” said Andy Maner, Chief Executive Officer of E3/Sentinel. “They have a long and proud history of mission performance over the past 13 years supporting Intelligence clients. As our third acquisition in only the past few months, we are thrilled to continue to quickly add highly educated, technical and cleared professionals, contracts and capabilities to our fast-growing platform. All of our existing government clients and the primes that we support will also benefit from these unique analytics and data capabilities.”

Nick Powers, co-founder and President of Data Works, added, “We’re incredibly excited to join this mission-focused platform and extend our offerings to new customers in the Intelligence Community, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Defense. Our amazing staff will benefit from new opportunities while our existing customers can leverage E3/Sentinel capabilities and infrastructure. The biggest factor to choosing E3/Sentinel as a partner was their experienced leadership team, focus on employees, and willingness to invest in growth. The corporate fit couldn’t be better, and I feel very fortunate for the opportunity.”

KippsDeSanto & Co. served as financial adviser, Caulkins & Bruce, PC served as legal counsel, and Peloton Strategies Group provided pre-sale strategic preparation to Data Works. Blank Rome served as counsel to E3/Sentinel.

About E3/Sentinel:

E3/Sentinel, a NewSpring Holdings company, is a mission-focused service driven solutions company headquartered in McLean, VA. We are a Washington Business Journal Best Places to Work awardee, a five-time Virginia Chamber of Commerce Fantastic 50 honoree, a six-time Inc. 5000 honoree, and a three-time Washington Technology FAST 50 honoree. Our enterprise program management and integrated service delivery practices are appraised at CMMI® Services maturity level 3, and our quality and environmental management systems are ISO 9001:2015 and 14001:2015 certified. E3/Sentinel has a long history of consistent growth and high performance in the federal services market. Our services and solutions are designed, tailored, and accomplished based on the combined domain experience both organizations bring from helping their Homeland Security, Defense, Intelligence, Border Security & Law Enforcement and Civilian customers solve complex challenges.

Our versatile team of 650 experienced and dedicated colleagues, backed by company leadership, allow us to provide a wide range of skills and expertise along with unmatched delivery excellence while maintaining an innovative and entrepreneurial culture that is laser-focused on mission imperatives and positive customer outcomes. The capabilities and services we provide, include: Digital Transformation and Innovation; Project & Portfolio Management; Mission Analytics and Strategic Advisory; and Engineering and Technical Services.

About NewSpring Holdings:

NewSpring Holdings, the dedicated, diversified holding company within NewSpring, with a strategy focused on control buyouts and platform builds, brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and resources to take profitable, growing companies to the next level through acquisitions and proven organic methodologies. Founded in 1999, NewSpring partners with the innovators, makers, and operators of high performing companies in dynamic industries to catalyze new growth and seize compelling opportunities. The Firm manages approximately $1.7 billion across four distinct strategies covering the spectrum from growth equity and control buyouts to mezzanine debt. Partnering with management teams to help develop their businesses into market leaders, NewSpring identifies opportunities and builds relationships using its network of industry leaders and influencers across a wide array of operational areas and industries. Visit NewSpring at www.newspringcapital.com.

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KippsDeSanto & Co. advises Solers, Inc. on its sale to Peraton, a portfolio company of Veritas Capital

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KippsDeSanto & Co. advises Solers, Inc. on its sale to Peraton, a portfolio company of Veritas Capital

KippsDeSanto & Co. is pleased to announce the sale of its client, Solers, Inc. (“Solers” or the “Company”), to Peraton, Inc. (“Peraton”).

Based in Arlington, VA, Solers is a leading provider of software development and systems integration for space situational awareness, satellite ground systems and operations, cybersecurity engineering, and enterprise cloud-based solutions.

Through a targeted, customer-centric growth strategy, Solers has developed meaningful relationships with various agencies spanning the Department of Defense (“DoD”) and Intelligence Community (“IC”).  Strong performance for these clients has led to both expanded work under existing contracts and referrals, allowing Solers to broaden its reach as a leader in software engineering and system integration.  Since its founding in 1998, one of Solers’ strongest assets has been its team of highly skilled employees. These employees’ domain knowledge and extensive certifications (over 75% cleared) afford Solers both subject matter expertise and make it an attractive place for others to work on challenging and mission-critical projects.

As Peraton’s second acquisition, Solers’ reputation and abilities will strengthen Peraton’s already robust space portfolio.

We believe this transaction demonstrates several key trends in the government services M&A market:

  • Space and National Intelligence continue to be highly coveted growth and M&A areas given budget and geopolitical security trends
  • Buyers are focusing on targets with entrenched customer positioning, including sole source contracts, longstanding incumbency, and customer intimacy, as well as well-funded customers and highly cleared mission-critical programs
  • Deep domain and subject matter expertise, particularly when coupled with long-term relationships, are critical differentiators for sellers in a crowded M&A market
  • With today’s robust capital markets, private equity – via new platforms and add-ons to existing portfolio companies – are successfully competing against larger public strategics for even the most attractive assets

About KippsDeSanto & Co. KippsDeSanto & Co. is the largest independent investment banking firm exclusively focused on serving leading, growth-oriented Aerospace / Defense, Government Services and Technology companies.  We are focused on delivering exceptional M&A and Financing transaction results to our clients via leveraging our scale, creativity and industry experience.  We help market leaders realize their full strategic value. Having advised on over 100 industry transactions, KippsDeSanto is recognized for our analytical rigor, market insight and broad industry relationships.  There’s no substitute for experience.  For more information, visit www.kippsdesanto.com.

Press Release

PERATON TO ACQUIRE SOLERS, INC.

Acquisition establishes Peraton as the premier solutions provider across the growing space protection and resiliency market

Herndon, VA, June 17, 2019 – Peraton, a portfolio company of Veritas Capital, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Solers, Inc., a leading provider of software development and systems integration for space situational awareness, satellite ground systems and operations, cybersecurity engineering, and enterprise cloud-based solutions.

“The acquisition of Solers represents an important step in the execution of our growth strategy and serves as a true force multiplier for Peraton and our customers. By bringing together some of the most proven and innovative space protection and ground operations technologies in the industry, we will be able to significantly enhance our ability to execute on our customers’ critical missions,” said Stu Shea, Chairman, President and CEO of Peraton. “I’m excited to welcome the talented Solers team to Peraton, strengthening our already robust space portfolio, technical excellence and rapid innovation capabilities.”

The Solers acquisition will accelerate both near- and long-range growth opportunities and enhance Peraton’s ability to deliver highly differentiated space protection and resiliency solutions that directly support mission objectives and critical national security initiatives. The combined capabilities will enable Peraton to expand its offerings of innovative and agile end-to-end solutions that address the growing complexity of customer mission needs across both national security and civilian agency space & ground programs.

“The Solers/Peraton alignment is truly a strategic fit and I have full confidence that the combined companies will continue Solers trademark high quality support to our government clients,” said David Kellogg, President and CEO of Solers. “Through our combination with Peraton – a company with whom we have many shared values – our customers will have access to some of the best people and technologies available to address their critical missions and our employees will benefit from greatly expanded growth opportunities as part of this new company.”

“Peraton’s transformational acquisition of Solers will accelerate the company’s presence in the high-priority, emerging space and communications markets,” said Ramzi Musallam, CEO and Managing Partner of Veritas Capital. “This combination will create a differentiated platform, strengthening Peraton’s ability to provide mission-critical services and solutions to its dynamic customer base.”

Investment bank KippsDeSanto acted as the financial advisor to Solers for this acquisition. Macquarie Capital acted as financial advisor to Peraton.

About Peraton

Peraton provides innovative, reliable solutions to the nation’s most sensitive and mission-critical programs and systems. As a trusted provider of highly differentiated space, intelligence, cyber, defense, homeland security, and communications capabilities, Peraton is a critical partner to the Intelligence Community, Department of Defense, and select federal agencies and commercial entities. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the company employs more than 3,000 people across the U.S. and Canada. For more information on Peraton, visit www.peraton.com.

About Veritas Capital

Veritas Capital is a leading private equity firm that invests in companies that provide critical products and services, primarily technology and technology-enabled solutions, to government and commercial customers worldwide, including those operating in the aerospace & defense, healthcare, software, national security, communications, energy, government services and education industries. Veritas seeks to create value by strategically transforming the companies in which it invests through organic and inorganic means. For more information on Veritas Capital and its current and past investments, visit www.veritascapital.com.

 About Solers, Inc.

Founded in 1998, Solers is an innovative information technology solutions provider to the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, other federal agencies, and commercial customers. With core capabilities in systems engineering, systems integration, space protection and resiliency, satellite ground systems, cloud computing, cyber engineering, and data engineering, Solers directly supports customer mission objectives and critical national security imperatives. For more information on Solers, visit www.solers.com.

KippsDeSanto & Co. Advises Connexta on its sale to Octo, a Portfolio Company of Arlington Capital Partners

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KippsDeSanto & Co. Advises Connexta on its sale to Octo, a Portfolio Company of Arlington Capital Partners

 KippsDeSanto & Co. is pleased to announce the sale of Connexta, LLC (“Connexta” or the “Company”) to Octo, a portfolio company of Arlington Capital Partners.

Headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, Connexta is a leading provider of open source software solutions for global Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (“ISR”) data interoperability needs across the Department of Defense (“DoD”), Intelligence Community (“IC”), and international coalition partners.  Leveraging established past performance coupled with intimate domain knowledge and expertise in modular, open source technologies, Connexta solves complex challenges for multi-domain ISR missions requiring aggregation, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence from a diversified data ecosystem that is geographically dispersed and siloed.  Connexta employs approximately 130 personnel consisting primarily of full-stack and cloud engineers proficient in agile methodologies, industry certifications, and requisite security clearances.

The combination of the two firms allows Octo to be the go-to expert in data interoperability and user interface arenas for geospatial search and discovery solutions and combat systems. Octo’s acquisition of Connexta serves to expand capabilities and expedite delivery and data integration of combat systems across the Armed Forces and enhance Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief tools for key customers in the National System for Geospatial Intelligence.  This transaction also provides Octo significant international reach through contracts supporting strategic coalition partners in Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Connexta will provide product offerings that augment Octo’s existing capabilities.  This comprehensive portfolio of product offerings coupled with differentiated services will broaden the combined entity’s customer footprint to reach currently untapped agencies and international allies with adjacent mission requirements and technical challenges that would benefit from the value-add the combined company now delivers.

We believe this investment demonstrates several key trends in the government services environment:

  • Continued demand for high-growth DoD and IC-oriented firms with sustainable profitability;
  • High demand for targets having demonstrated proficiency in leveraging proprietary technologies and unique product offerings to offer highly differentiated technology-enabled solutions;
  • Acquirers continue to attribute strong value to companies with entrenched and defensible positions with key, hard-to-penetrate customers on mission-critical programs; and
  • Increasing M&A activity by private equity – via new platforms and add-ons to existing portfolio companies

 About KippsDeSanto & Co.: KippsDeSanto & Co. is the largest independent investment banking firm exclusively focused on serving leading, growth-oriented Aerospace / Defense, Government Services and Technology companies.  We are focused on delivering exceptional M&A and Financing transaction results to our clients via leveraging our scale, creativity, and industry experience. We help market leaders realize their full strategic value.  Having advised on over 100 industry transactions, KippsDeSanto is recognized for our analytical rigor, market insight, and broad industry relationships.  There is no substitute for experience.  For more information, visit www.kippsdesanto.com.

Press Release

Octo Acquires Connexta to Enhance Open Source Software Development Capabilities

July 23, 2019

RESTON, Va. – Octo, a premier provider of next-generation services for the Federal market, today announced its acquisition of Connexta, a Phoenix, Arizona-based global leader in open source software development and secure discovery solutions for government and commercial customers. With this acquisition, Octo significantly bolsters its existing client base in the Intelligence Community (IC) and the Department of Defense (DoD), particularly the Air Force and its innovative software labs. Connexta’s substantial capabilities will expand Octo’s open source and Agile software development, cloud engineering, data interoperability, geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), and C4ISR offerings. The combination of the two firms establishes Octo as go-to experts in the data interoperability, API, and user interface arenas for geospatial search and discovery solutions and combat systems. The expanded capabilities Octo will realize through this acquisition will expedite delivery and data integration of combat systems across the Armed Forces and enhance Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief tools for key customers in the National System for Geospatial Intelligence (NSG). This transaction also significantly enhances Octo’s sensor integration capabilities, to include support for several of the nation’s “Five Eye” partners.

Connexta will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Octo. The integration will provide U.S. Federal Government customers expanded access to Connexta’s solution offerings including its Distributed Data Framework, a powerful geospatially-enabled search and integration platform, and Alliance, a system for enterprise ISR data sharing. These tools promote collaborative use of discovered data by analysts to produce enhanced ISR products. The integration of Octo and Connexta systems will unlock new levels of data sharing and analysis for agency leaders, and the combined technical talent will offer customers a deep and sophisticated team capable of taking on much larger and complex mission system modernization projects than Octo has previously supported.

“This acquisition is a huge win for both firms. There are enormous synergies in our talent, culture, and solutions that will enable us to drive immediate value across our collective customer base,” said Mehul Sanghani, Chief Executive Officer of Octo. “Connexta’s two solution offerings lie at the heart of the ISR integration and GEOINT search and retrieval capabilities that are in use across many of our DoD and IC customers, and that have been increasingly embraced by our allied partners. Perhaps equally important, we’re both Agile and modern technology firms at our core with remarkably similar cultures. We’re adding a team that shares the same commitment to customer success that we do, and we’re only going to enhance these qualities as we integrate. Connexta’s culture also dovetails perfectly with Octo’s, which will only help make integrating our two firms smoother and allow us to maintain our unique culture in the marketplace.”

“Combining Connexta’s capabilities and services with Octo’s deep market knowledge will drive exponential value and impact for our combined customers,” said Andy Goodson, Chief Executive Officer at Connexta. “Our product offerings augment their services capabilities. Their broader customer base opens up new avenues for agencies to leverage our products. Additionally, we committed to our Connexta employees that we would place culture as a top priority in this process, just as Octo did. We knew very early on in the process that we had found a perfect match in Octo. We look forward to joining forces to provide more innovative, Agile solutions for both Octo’s and Connexta’s customers.”

Through this acquisition, Octo adds roughly 130 personnel to its roster, primarily full-stack and cloud engineering resources. Octo now offers nearly 700 technologists to support and accelerate modernization efforts across its entire public sector customer base. Octo maintains a heavy presence in the DC Metropolitan area with offices in Reston and Alexandria, Virginia and Columbia, Maryland, and has presences in Richmond, Boston, Dayton, and St. Louis. The acquisition of Connexta adds offices in Boston, Denver, and Phoenix and makes Octo a firm with international reach through contracts supporting strategic coalition partners in Europe, Asia, and Australia.

KippsDeSanto & Co. served as the exclusive financial advisor to Connexta during this transaction.

About Octo

A premier provider of technology solutions, Octo empowers federal agencies to modernize faster. Octo’s combination of technical innovation and pragmatic execution unleashes new capabilities, bolsters security, and transforms service delivery. Octo specializes in scalable Agile software development, user experience design, and cloud engineering solutions to improve, modernize, and optimize government IT systems. Known for challenging the status quo and continually exploring new ways to deliver value, Octo’s superior outcomes are the result of a collaborative, analytical approach and customer partnerships. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Octo builds flexible solutions that evolve as missions change, delivering results that last. Octo is an Arlington Capital portfolio company. www.octoconsulting.com.

About Connexta

Connexta is a software development company delivering enterprise integration services to government and commercial customers globally. Connexta develops secure, distributed intelligence processing capabilities, breaking down proprietary restrictions to enable information sharing.  Connexta is headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, USA with operations in Colorado, Massachusetts, and the Washington DC metro area. www.connexta.com.