KippsDeSanto & Co. Advises InfoReliance Corporation on its sale to ECS Federal, LLC

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KippsDeSanto & Co. is pleased to announce the sale of our client, InfoReliance Corporation (“InfoReliance” or the“Company”), to ECS Federal, LLC (“ECS”). InfoReliance is a leading provider of next-generation information technology(“IT”) services including cloud computing, cybersecurity, enterprise IT, and software engineering services and solutions to the Department of Defense (“DoD”), Federal Civilian agencies, and select commercial customers.

Based in Fairfax, VA, InfoReliance deploys full life cycle cloud delivery and cloud solution development, offers advanced cybersecurity services facilitating predictive defense, develop efficient software solutions, and provides enterprise and line of business capabilities across all Chief Information Officer mission areas. InfoReliance’sunique as-a-service solutions offerings and skilled, experienced employees have led to deep relationships with DoD and Federal Civilian customers as well as strong partnerships with major industry leaders such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, and McAfee Inc.

Through its partnership with InfoReliance, ECS will enhance its ability to pursue cyber, cloud, enterprise IT, and software engineering opportunities across its robust portfolio of contracts, which includes Alliant, CIOSP-3, CIO-CS, NASPO Valuepoint, and OASIS. The addition of InfoReliance’s next-generation IT capabilities and new contract awards are expected to accelerate ECS’s transformation from a services provider to a systems integrator and solution provider for national defense and intelligence customers.

We believe this transaction demonstrates several key trends in the government technology solutions M&A environment:

  • Buyers are focused on M&A as an effective strategy to access next-generation ITcapabilities including cybersecurity, cloud, and “as-a-service”
  • Mid-sized strategic buyers are increasingly focused on transformational acquisitions which provide synergies and a strong history of past performance with key government customers
  • Importance of relationships with key strategic partners that allow for the development, implementation, and support of full life cycle solutions

KippsDeSanto & Co. is an investment bank focused on delivering exceptional M&A and financing transaction results for leading aerospace, defense, and technology companies.  For more information on KippsDeSanto & Co., please visit www.kippsdesanto.com.

 

KippsDeSanto & Co., member FINRA / SIPC, is not affiliated with other companies mentioned herein

 

Press Release

ECS Federal Acquisition of InfoReliance

FAIRFAX, Va., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — ECS Federal, LLC “ECS” announced today the acquisition ofInfoReliance, a leading provider of cybersecurity, cloud computing, software engineering solutions and managed services.

George Wilson, CEO of ECS Federal said, “In the past five years ECS has transformed from a services company to a rapidly growing performer, systems integrator, and solution provider in the national defense and intelligence markets.The acquisition of InfoReliance will add $150M in new revenues delivering next generation cloud and cyber solutions at an enterprise scale. This, along with new contract awards has greatly accelerated ECS’s transformation.”

ECS is now providing cybersecurity solutions and active cyber defense to the Navy, Army, Department of HomelandSecurity, Department of Justice, Defense Health Agency and the Intelligence community. The acquisition of InfoReliance also expands ECS’s agile software delivery capability supporting the Navy, USMC, USPS, FBI, theIntelligence Community and DOL.

InfoReliance core leadership, operations and delivery teams will continue as a wholly owned subsidiary and together with ECS will pursue cyber, cloud, enterprise IT and software engineering opportunities. The companies will further invest in key strategic partnerships with Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, McAfee, and RSA Security. Together they bring more competition to commercial and government markets, in particular across ECS’s highly sought after GovernmentWide Acquisition Contracts (GWAC) including Alliant, CIOSP-3, CIO-CS, SEWP, NASPO Valuepoint and OASIS.

Andrew Butler, InfoReliance CEO, will join ECS as Senior Vice President and strategic advisor to Mr. Wilson. He stated,”We built our business over the past seventeen years by earning the trust of our customers through continuous innovation and a relentless commitment to their success. ECS’s culture, leadership, and equal commitment to the highest-standards is a perfect match and we couldn’t be more excited about the future for our employees, partners, and customers.”

Kipps DeSanto represented InfoReliance in the deal.

About ECS Federal, LLC

ECS has nearly 2,500 employees, C2017 revenues of over $500 million and is recognized as a Top Workplace by theWashington Post. ECS delivers systems, software and expertise supporting National Defense, cyber, cloud services and intelligence markets, holds CMMI Level 3, ISO 9001:2008, ISO/IEC 20000 and ISO/IEC 27000:2013 certifications and employs agile methodologies to deliver mission critical software. For more information, visit our web site at www.ecs-federal.com.

KippsDeSanto & Co. Advises Fidelis Cybersecurity Solutions, a Business Unit of General Dynamics Mission Systems, on its Sale to Marlin Equity Partners

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KippsDeSanto & Co. is pleased to announce the sale of Fidelis Cybersecurity Solutions (“Fidelis” or the “Company”), a business unit of General Dynamics Mission Systems, to Marlin Equity Partners (“Marlin Equity”). The acquisition by Marlin Equity will provide future resources and expertise around its commercial offerings to position it for continued growth over the long term.

Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, Fidelis is a leader in the Advanced Threat Defense (ATD) space and provides a unique combination of cybersecurity products and Network Defense and Forensics (“NDF”) services. Fidelis’ patented deep session inspection technology and its ability to provide advanced malware / data theft protection and network security analytics in a single, tightly integrated system for continuous protection across the enterprise strategically positions the Company to capitalize on increasing organizational importance of cybersecurity across a vast number of industry verticals.

Fidelis’ elite team of security experts provides industry-leading services and acts as a key source of threat intelligence that further enhances its ATD technology solution. This real-time feedback allows the Company to quickly incorporate threat research and intelligence from the front line of network defense into its products. Fidelis serves an expansive list of customers, and its NDF team has successfully handled over 3,500 cyber threat cases and several of the most critical and complex intrusions to date.

We believe this transaction demonstrates several key trends in the software and cybersecurity M&A environment:

  • Continuation of corporate divestitures as defense contractors shape their portfolio to focus on core markets and capabilities
  • Attractiveness of and premium value placed on unique, proprietary products, technology, and intellectual property to address market needs
  • Knowledgeable financial buyers positioning themselves in mission-critical markets such as cybersecurity
  • Continued strong investor interest and public valuations given the recent high-profile cyber-attacks and overall advanced threat environment

We welcome the opportunity to discuss how KippsDeSanto & Co. can help you achieve your strategic objectives.KippsDeSanto & Co. is an investment bank focused on delivering exceptional M&A and financing transaction results for leading aerospace / defense and technology companies. For more information on KippsDeSanto & Co., please visit www.kippsdesanto.com.

KippsDeSanto & Co., member FINRA/SIPC, is not affiliated with other companies mentioned herein

 

PRESS RELEASE

LOS ANGELES – May 4, 2015: Marlin Equity Partners (“Marlin”) is pleased to announce that it has completed the acquisition of Fidelis Cybersecurity (“Fidelis”) from General Dynamics. Fidelis, a leading provider of advanced cybersecurity threat prevention, detection and protection solutions, offers a comprehensive portfolio of products, services and expertise that protect some of the world’s most recognizable brands from data theft, financial loss and reputational damage. The company’s flagship product, Fidelis XPS™, is an advanced threat defense platform that has been proven to be highly effective in not only detecting and preventing initial malware infections, but also preventing the subsequent spread of malware and theft of information from within an organization.

Peter George, who will continue to lead Fidelis as CEO, commented, “We are pleased to be partnering with a world-class private equity firm, with a long and proven history of growing technology businesses, to help us accelerate our unique and comprehensive advanced threat defense offering and market position. We share Marlin’s vision to more aggressively convey the value we are bringing to our customers and to challenge the market leader with the only proven and scalable alternative solution for advanced threat defense.”

“Fidelis is uniquely positioned to help customers protect their most valuable data and assets against advanced adversaries across the entire threat lifecycle, from intrusion to propagation to exfiltration, in one fully integrated solution,” said Peter Chung, a principal at Marlin. “We are thrilled to provide the resources and financial backing to grow Fidelis and solidify its position at the forefront of the rapidly evolving advanced threat defense, and incident response and forensics markets.”

About Marlin Equity Partners

Marlin Equity Partners is a global investment firm with over $3 billion of capital under management. The firm is focused on providing corporate parents, shareholders and other stakeholders with tailored solutions that meet their business and liquidity needs. Marlin invests in businesses across multiple industries where its capital base, industry relationships and extensive network of operational resources significantly strengthens a company’s outlook and enhances value. Since its inception, Marlin, through its group of funds and related companies, has successfully completed over 90 acquisitions. The firm is headquartered in Los Angeles, California with an additional office in London. For more information, please visit www.marlinequity.com.

About Fidelis Cybersecurity

Fidelis Cybersecurity offers a comprehensive portfolio of products, services and expertise to combat today’s sophisticated advanced threats and prevent data theft and breaches. The company’s solution allows commercial enterprise and government customers around the globe to face advanced threats with confidence through the use of its Network Defense and Forensics Services, delivered by a team of security professionals with decades of hands-on experience, and its award-winning Fidelis XPS Advanced Threat Defense products, which provide visibility and control over the entire threat lifecycle. For more information, please visit www.fidelissecurity.com.

For additional information, please contact Peter Spasov at (310) 364-0100 or via e-mail at pspasov@marlinequity.com.

SecureForce

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KippsDeSanto & Co. Advises OnPoint Consulting on its Sale to Sapient®

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KippsDeSanto & Co. is pleased to present the attached press release announcing the acquisition of our client, OnPoint Consulting, Inc. (“OnPoint” or the “Company”), by Sapient Government Services, part of Sapient (NASDAQ: SAPE).  The announced acquisition will expand Sapient Government Services’ federal presence by advancing its unique ability to craft innovative solutions for government, nonprofits, and non-governmental organizations.

Headquartered in Arlington, VA, OnPoint is a leading provider of technology and management consulting solutions in the areas of cybersecurity, enterprise architecture, and infrastructure systems.  With 19 years of experience providing technology-related services to Federal agencies, the Company is adept at implementing risk management, design and development, and configuration management solutions.  Its track record of providing value-added services to Federal agencies earned the Company a highly-coveted prime position on the $20 billion National Institutes of Health Chief Information Officers – Solutions and Partners 3 vehicle.

As an integral part of Sapient Government Services, OnPoint will continue to strengthen its growth and positioning on existing contracts and become a leading solutions provider to the federal government. At the same time, OnPoint’s extensive past performance within the civilian and defense sectors will further establish and strengthen Sapient Government Services’ position as a strategic provider to the government and expand its customer base to include the Department of Energy, Department of State, Department of Transportation, Department of Treasury, Department of Defense, Department of Agriculture, and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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

  • Buyers seek targets on the front-end of key contract vehicles and programs that provide strong organic growth potential
  • Strong buyer appetite for companies with diverse customer bases that not only complement their own customer base, but also allow the buyer to provide higher-end service offerings to market segments with strong potential for future growth
  • Cybersecurity remains a key capability buyers seek when evaluating acquisition targets
  • Continued interest in entering the Federal sector by non-traditional buyers

KippsDeSanto & Co. is an investment bank focused on delivering exceptional M&A and financing transaction results for leading technology and defense companies.  For more information on KippsDeSanto & Co., please visit www.kippsdesanto.com.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss how KippsDeSanto & Co. can help you achieve your strategic objectives.

KippsDeSanto & Co., member FINRA/SIPC, is not affiliated with other companies mentioned herein

 

PRESS RELEASE

Sapient Expands Government Services Footprint Through Acquisition of OnPoint

Addition Strengthens Sapient’s Government Division, Extends Digital Innovation Leader’s Ability to Transform How Public Service Operates and Contributes

BOSTON AND WASHINGTON, DC – February 10, 2014 – Sapient Government Services, part of Sapient (NASDAQ: SAPE), today announced its acquisition of OnPoint Consulting, Inc. (OnPoint), a vibrant, energetic, and growing ISO-registered technology and management consulting company that provides critical thinking, strategic analysis, and thought leadership to the United States Federal Government. The addition of OnPoint strengthens Sapient’s footprint in the government space and further extends Sapient Government Services’ unique ability to drive innovation that helps governments, nonprofits and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) keep pace in a rapidly changing environment.

Founded in 1994, with headquarters in Arlington, VA, OnPoint is a 100% federally-focused service provider with approximately 150 full time employees and a strong culture as evidenced by a 90+% annual employee retention rate. OnPoint works to develop, modernize, secure and operate the technology solutions that allow government agencies to perform their missions, while balancing the need for government to do more with less, manage risk, and keep pace with a high degree of change.

OnPoint is recognized for its leading work in the civilian and defense sectors of the United States Federal Government, with a client base that includes the Department of Energy, Department of State, Department of Transportation, Department of Treasury, Department of Defense, Department of Agriculture and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Their relationships within these agencies represent new clients for Sapient Government Services and as such both strengthen and further stabilize its position as a strategic service provider to the government.

In addition, OnPoint brings to Sapient Government Services strong and complementary capabilities that include infrastructure, cybersecurity, workforce productivity, micro-application development and managed security operations. These capabilities are built on a foundation of ISO-certified rigorous process management/improvement with a responsive operating model designed to help government evolve its operating and technology delivery model. This comes at a time when government must be both cost sensitive and focused on the future, as an increasingly digital operating environment is changing how government agencies operate.

“As technology rapidly reshapes the human experience, both at home and at work, governments, nonprofits and NGOs are looking for partners to help drive the innovation necessary to respond to these shifting requirements,” said Alan J. Herrick, president and CEO of Sapient. “Adding OnPoint’s complementary client base and capabilities in key emerging areas strengthens our government business, and allows us to continue doing work that has significant impact and contribution to our nation and our world.”

“The environment in which the federal government must evolve is transforming very rapidly.  Public service institutions must learn to operate in an increasingly-connected world,” said Teresa Bozzelli, head of Sapient Government Services. “Sapient Government Services has a long history of helping our clients navigate complex and shifting environments. Together we are a powerful group of talented people dedicated to revolutionizing how public institutions realize their greatest impact, carry out their missions and create positive social change.”

OnPoint is engaged in high impact work that includes financial management services for the Department of Treasury, providing cyber defense across the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) distributed federal enterprise, and managing systems that support more than 300 worldwide sites for the Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Building Operations (OBO). This work is a powerful addition to the services being performed by Sapient Government Services, which include initiatives for the Department of Health and Human Services improving access to quality healthcare by matching clinicians with underserved communities, groundbreaking work for the U.S. Census Bureau developing mobile applications that provide immediate access to government data to improve decision making across all areas of life, as well as breakthrough initiatives helping governments and nonprofits engage, educate and recruit target audiences such as teens and the new millennial workforce.

“We are thrilled to join the Sapient family. Our culture and values align around a mutual ambition to have a positive impact on the nation and its people,” said Mike Agrillo, executive vice president of OnPoint. “By integrating our diverse capabilities and assets, we are better able to help organizations have maximum impact in improving the role of the federal government and the resulting experience of the workers that carry out strategic missions central to the advancement of the nations, communities and citizens they serve.”

KippsDeSanto & Co. acted as exclusive financial advisor to OnPoint in this transaction.

 

About Sapient Government Services

Sapient Government Services, part of Sapient®, is a leading global provider of consulting, technology, and marketing services to governmental agencies, non-profit and non-governmental organizations. Focused on driving long-term change and transforming the citizen experience, we use technology to help clients become more accessible and transparent. With a track record of innovative solutions and the ability to leverage commercial best practices, we are trusted advisors to organizations including the Department of Defense, Department of Transportation, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, and United States Department of Homeland Security. For more information, visit www.sapient.com or follow us on Twitter @sapientgov.

 

About OnPoint

OnPoint is a technology consulting firm that helps its federal customers get ahead of IT by providing critical thinking, strategic analysis, and thought leadership to improve performance, lower costs, and achieve results. The company’s commitment to improvement is expressed in its ISO 9001:2008, ISO 20000-1:2011, ISO 27001:2005 certifications and CMMI Maturity Level 3 rating. OnPoint provides solutions in IT infrastructure, enterprise systems, and cybersecurity for agencies throughout the federal government.

KippsDeSanto & Co. Advises Ray Group International, LLC on its Sale to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

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KippsDeSanto & Co. is pleased to send you the attached press release announcing the acquisition of our client, Ray Group International, LLC (“Ray Group”), by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”).  The acquisition of Ray Group will enable PwC’s Washington Federal Practice to expand its legacy business advisory presence within the Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) and uniquely position the newly combined entity as a leader in Health information technology (“HIT”) services across VA and throughout the federal government.

Located in Washington, DC, Ray Group is a leading provider of HIT solutions and professional services throughout the VA, addressing some of the most critical mission challenges related to HIT infrastructure modernization, enterprise architecture, and Program Management Office (“PMO”) accountability.  Specifically, the Company analyzes the structure, enterprise components, and relationships of an organization with the goal of improving the efficiency of the enterprise as a whole; develops enterprise architecture strategy and structure to support mobile computing platforms; and analyzes HIT needs through a visualization-based approach to project planning and requirements definitions, which allows customers to utilize simulations before spending time and money developing specific code.

Ray Group serves a diverse set of customers within the VA and provides technical expertise for mission support, including, but not exclusive to, reengineering legacy systems, facilitating information sharing, and supporting PMO with program delivery.  Within the VA, the Company primarily serves the Office of Information & Technology (“OI&T”) and the Chief Technology Officer (“CTO”).  These offices are tasked with modernizing VA HIT infrastructure and leading veteran health and benefit service innovations.  Major focus areas include modernizing VistA and moving it to open source; modernizing electronic health records (“EHR”) and integrating EHR with DoD; allowing veterans to have access to their EHR through Blue Button; protecting veterans’ personal information through cybersecurity; and developing clinical applications for mobile devices.  Ray Group is strategically positioned on many high-visibility, priority VA programs addressing the initiatives above, including Blue Button and EHR Open Source.

We believe this transaction demonstrates several key trends in the government technology M&A environment:

  • Continued buyer emphasis on strong funding environments and mission-oriented customers, including health IT, big data, and cyber and intelligence
  • Companies possessing focus and depth, customer or capability,  that address a buyer’s strategic gaps are garnering premium transaction results
  • Robust M&A appetite for sellers offering high-end, differentiated capabilities and solutions to their customers
  • Buyers stress the importance of sustainable growth potential evidenced by mission critical programs, stable funding streams, relevant past performance, and actionable new business pipelines

KippsDeSanto & Co. is an investment bank focused on delivering exceptional M&A and financing transaction results for leading technology and defense companies. For more information on KippsDeSanto & Co., please visit www.kippsdesanto.com.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss how KippsDeSanto & Co. can help you achieve your strategic objectives. For more information on this particular transaction, please contact one of the deal team leaders below.

KippsDeSanto & Co., member FINRA / SIPC, is not affiliated with other companies mentioned herein.

PRESS RELEASE

PwC Completes Acquisition of Ray Group International

Deal strengthens PwC’s technology consulting and implementation services for public sector clients

NEW YORK, November 12, 2012 – PwC US today announced that it has acquired Ray Group International, LLC (RGI), a consulting firm specializing in information technology (IT) and program management consulting services for federal government entities. The addition of RGI builds upon PwC’s strengths in technology consulting and implementation for public sector clients, particularly in the areas of IT strategy, enterprise architecture, and program management.

RGI’s consultants have joined PwC’s existing team of professionals that serve the public sector.  Former RGI CEO, Ronald E. Ray, former RGI President, Michael Louden, and former RGI COO, Michael Hecker, have joined PwC in key leadership positions.

“We are very pleased to welcome Ray Group’s highly skilled team of professionals to PwC’s Public Sector practice,” said Scott McIntyre, PwC’s U.S. Public Sector Practice Leader.  “The core skill set of the RGI team strongly complements PwC’s existing services in healthcare IT, program management and communications consulting.  Their client-centric approach mirrors our own, and we know they will bring tremendous additional value to our clients.  PwC’s Public Sector practice helps solve critical issues that matter most to our federal government clients and this capability enhances our ability to add value to these complex challenges.”

The acquisition reflects PwC’s commitment to building depth in areas that meet the needs of its clients, addressing their most complex business challenges, from strategy to execution.

“We are excited to join forces with PwC, a trusted advisor to the federal government,” said Ronald E. Ray, former CEO of Ray Group International.  “This is a tremendous opportunity for the RGI team and for our clients.  At RGI, collaboration has always been a cornerstone to our success, and we look forward to teaming with our new colleagues to bring creative solutions to our clients.”

The acquisition was completed on November 6, 2012.  Financial terms of the transaction will not be disclosed.

To learn more about PwC’s Public Sector practice, visit www.pwc.com/publicsector.

About PwC’s Advisory Practice

PwC’s Advisory professionals help organizations improve business performance, respond quickly and effectively to crisis, and extract value from transactions. We understand our clients’ industries and unique business challenges, and look across the entire organization – focusing on strategy, structure, people, process and technology – to help clients build their next competitive advantage.  See http://www.pwc.com/us/consulting for more information or follow us @PwCAdvisory.

About the PwC Network

PwC firms help organizations and individuals create the value they’re looking for. We’re a network of firms in 158 countries with more than 180,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, tax and advisory services. Tell us what matters to you and find out more by visiting us at www.pwc.com.

InScope

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KippsDeSanto & Co. Advises Global Protocols on its Sale to Riverbed Technology

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KippsDeSanto & Co. is pleased to send you the attached press release announcing the acquisition of our client, Global Protocols LLC (“Global Protocols”), by Riverbed Technology, Inc. (“Riverbed”). Riverbed acquired Global Protocols to strengthen its Wide Area Network (“WAN”) optimization capabilities and solidify its presence within Federal markets. Global Protocols was a portfolio company of The White Oak Guggenheim Aerospace & Defense Fund. The transaction closed on November 9, 2010.

Headquartered in Greenbelt, Maryland, Global Protocols is a leading provider of Transport Control Protocol (“TCP”) solutions for stressed, tactical communications networks within military satellite communications (“SATCOM”) markets. The Company’s flagship offering, SkipWare, is a software-based protocol acceleration solution that centers around the Space Communications Protocol Standards Transport Protocol (“SCPS-TP”), the Department of Defense’s (“DoD”) most commonly specified requirement for fixed and mobile satellite networking. The SkipWare solution differentiates itself from competing offerings by delivering leading levels of bandwidth optimization, error-tolerance, and interoperability for military SATCOM networks. The acquisition represents a continuation of the two companies’ partnership that began in 2008 with the goal of providing enabling bandwidth optimization solutions for mission-critical network communications initiatives within defense and intelligence agencies.

The White Oak Guggenheim Aerospace & Defense Fund is a committed fund of The White Oak Group, Inc, an Atlanta based investment firm focused on aerospace and defense, healthcare technology, and alternative energy / power solutions.

We believe this transaction demonstrates several key trends in the defense M&A environment:

  • Growing demand from U.S. military agencies for SATCOM and mobile bandwidth solutions, driven by the DoD’s emphasis on network-centric warfare and the surge of bandwidth consumption by U.S. armed forces over the last decade.
  • Considerable funding and attention aimed at defense communications technologies that support high-priority military mission areas.
  • M&A processes driven by buyers looking to leverage sellers’ differentiated technology and intellectual property within core existing product lines.
  • Private sector companies vying to establish strong positions within the Federal arena to take advantage of less volatile markets in light of the recent economic downturn.

KippsDeSanto & Co. is an investment bank focused on delivering exceptional M&A and financing transaction results for leading technology and defense companies. For more information on KippsDeSanto & Co., please visit www.kippsdesanto.com. We welcome the opportunity to discuss how KippsDeSanto & Co. can help you achieve your strategic objectives. For more information on this particular transaction, please contact one of our senior professionals.

 

PRESS RELEASE

Riverbed Solidifies Federal Market Leadership With The Acquisition of Global Protocols LLC

Riverbed™ Technology (NASDAQ: RVBD), the IT performance company, today announced it has acquired Global Protocols LLC, a leader in helping government organizations achieve greater application performance across satellite networks using the Space Communications Protocol Standards (SCPS). The addition of Global Protocols’ industry-leading technology, SkipWare, to Riverbed® WAN optimization will bolster Riverbed’s leadership position in delivering optimization solutions for satellite networks.

SCPS is a protocol solution that was developed by NASA and US Space Command, and is used by military and other organizations that operate in satellite networking environments to overcome the severe performance degradation caused by weather and other interference that jeopardizes mission-critical communications. Global Protocols’ SkipWare product has a customer base in military, civilian and Department of Defense (DoD) agencies that operate over satellite networks. The acquisition will allow Riverbed to build on its success in providing DoD and other organizations with IT performance solutions that meet their rigorous standards, and bring the joint solution to the wide range of organizations using satellite networks for business-critical communications.

The acquisition of Global Protocols is an expansion of the existing partnership between Riverbed and Global Protocols. Since announcing its partnership in 2008, Riverbed and Global Protocols have enabled joint customers to achieve high-performance, secure access to mission-critical information by combining the award-winning WAN optimization capabilities of Riverbed Steelhead® appliances with best-of-breed SkipWare functionality from Global Protocols within the Riverbed Services Platform (RSP).

“Government organizations are pressured to adhere to strict guidelines, but also realize that performance is paramount to their success. Riverbed has been successful working with government organizations to speed access to mission-critical data over the WAN. By partnering with Global Protocols in 2008, we extended our reach and deepened our investment in the federal market,” said Jerry Kennelly, chief executive officer at Riverbed. “Adding Global Protocols’ technology to our product portfolio as a result of this acquisition will enable customers to derive even greater value out of the combined solution.”

Enterprises and government organizations leverage Riverbed WAN optimization to improve remote and mobile employee productivity, enable private clouds, and provide enterprise-wide network and application visibility. By speeding the performance of applications between remote offices, private data centers and mobile workers, typically by five to 50 times and in some cases up to 100 times, Riverbed Steelhead products enable organizations to consolidate IT, improve backup and replication processes to ensure data integrity, and improve staff productivity and collaboration. More than 8,700 customers, across a wide range of markets, have implemented Riverbed WAN optimization solutions in their geographically dispersed organizations.

KippsDeSanto & Co. Advises Managed IT Services and Solutions Firm OAO Technology Solutions on its Acquisition by Platinum Equity

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KippsDeSanto & Co. is pleased to send you the attached press release announcing the acquisition of our client, OAO Technology Solutions, Inc. (“OAOT”), a portfolio company of J.F. Lehman & Company, by Platinum Equity, LLC (“Platinum”). The acquisition deepens Platinum’s presence in the IT services market and affords OAOT a platform to broaden its service offerings, customer base, and addressable markets. The transaction closed on January 15, 2010.

Headquartered in Greenbelt, MD, OAOT is a provider of lifecycle IT solutions and services for Fortune 500 corporations and global outsourcing firms worldwide. OAOT is a widely acknowledged market leader in data center
and infrastructure management, application outsourcing, and staffing solutions. OAOT helps customers achieve greater agility and efficiencies in management of critical infrastructures and technologies and to maximize human assets.

We believe this transaction represents a number of key trends in the M&A market for IT services and solutions firms:

  • Heightened acquisition interest in firms operating in or around IT infrastructure assets, such as the data center, that enable customers’ mission critical business processes, and drive operational effectiveness and cost efficiencies
  • Buyer attraction to firms having long-term, entrenched relationships with blue chip customers
  • Continued M&A activity by financial sponsors, despite continued cautious credit markets

KippsDeSanto & Co. is an investment bank focused on delivering exceptional M&A and financing transaction results for leading technology and professional services companies in the government, defense, and commercial IT markets. For more information on KippsDeSanto & Co., please visit www.kippsdesanto.com.
We welcome the opportunity to discuss how KippsDeSanto & Co. can help you achieve your strategic objectives.For more information on this particular transaction, please contact one of our senior professionals.

PRESS RELEASE

Platinum Equity Acquires OAO Technology Solutions, Inc.

Los Angeles, CA and Greenbelt, MD — January 19, 2010 — Platinum Equity announced today it has acquired OAO Technology Solutions, Inc. (“OAOT”), from an affiliate of J.F. Lehman & Company and the other stockholders of OAOT. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

OAOT provides managed IT services and solutions for Fortune 500 corporations, global outsourcers and government agencies.

“OAOT has long-standing relationships with valued customers, an outstanding international workforce and a reputation for delivering exceptional customer service,” said Jacob Kotzubei, the partner at Platinum that is leading the OAOT investment. “Throughout the world the need for high-quality cost-effective managed IT services is growing and OAOT offers a full-range of solutions to meet that increasing demand.”

A team of Platinum in-house operations specialists is now working with OAOT management to develop a long-term plan and transition the business into Platinum’s portfolio.

“In the midst of a challenging worldwide economic climate, over the last three years OAOT has expanded its market share, enhanced its commercial IT services offerings, and significantly improved the company’s operational effectiveness, profitability and financial performance,” said Sidney E. Fuchs, OAOT president and chief executive officer. “This acquisition provides incredible momentum and creates a platform for rapid growth as we join the top-tier group of IT services companies in the Platinum Equity portfolio.”

Mr. Kotzubei explained that acquiring OAOT is a natural investment for Platinum, given the firm’s history of investing in IT companies.

“We know and understand the industry well and have had a lot of success creating value in this space,” explained Mr. Kotzubei.

Jeff Fine and Jared Jensen of Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal advisers to Platinum Equity on the acquisition of OAOT.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP served as legal advisor, and KippsDeSanto & Co. and The Chesapeake Group served as financial advisors to J.F. Lehman & Company and the OAOT Board of Directors.

About OAO Technology Solutions, Inc.
OAOT (www.oaot.com) is a global leader in Managed IT Services and Solutions to Fortune 500 corporations, global outsourcers and government agencies. The Company’s expertise includes applications outsourcing, data center and infrastructure management and staffing solutions. Headquartered in Greenbelt, Maryland, our 1,600 worldwide employees are located throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

About Platinum Equity
Platinum Equity is a global M&A&O. firm specializing in the merger, acquisition and operation of companies that provide services and solutions to customers in a broad range of business markets, including information technology, telecommunications, logistics, metals services, manufacturing and distribution. Since its founding in 1995 by Tom Gores, Platinum Equity has completed nearly 100 acquisitions with more than $27.5 billion in aggregate annual revenue at the time of acquisition. For more information, go to www.platinumequity.com.

About J.F. Lehman & Company
J.F. Lehman & Company is a leading middle-market private equity firm focused exclusively on the defense, aerospace and maritime sectors. The firm has offices in New York, Washington and London. For more information about J.F. Lehman & Company, please visit www.jflpartners.com.

Contacts:
Platinum Equity
Cathy Melcher, Vice President Marketing Communications
OAO Technology Solutions, Inc.
(703) 327-4307
cmelcher@oaot.com

OAO Technology Solutions
Dan Whelan
Platinum Equity
(310) 282-9202
dwhelan@platinumequity.com

KippsDeSanto & Co. Advises Project Performance Corporation on Its Sale to AEA Technology plc

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KippsDeSanto & Co. is pleased to send you the attached press release announcing the acquisition of our client, Project Performance Corporation (PPC), by AEA Technology plc. This deal closed on August 22, 2008. PPC, based in McLean, VA, is a leading management and technology consulting firm providing high-end IT strategy, security and project management solutions to the U.S. government, healthcare and financial services sectors. KippsDeSanto & Co. acted as exclusive financial advisor to PPC in this transaction. This transaction represents a number of key trends in defense and government services contracting M&A:

  • Premium transaction terms remain achievable even in today’s volatile equity and capital markets for high quality firms delivering high-end IT strategy, security and project management consulting solutions; and
  • Foreign companies continue to be aggressive buyers of US government services firms given the favorable market (size and growth) and currency dynamics.

KippsDeSanto & Co. is an investment bank focused on delivering M&A and financing transaction results for leading, growth-oriented, technology and defense companies. For more information on KippsDeSanto & Co., please visit www.kippsdesanto.com

We welcome the opportunity to discuss how KippsDeSanto & Co. can help you achieve your strategic objectives. For more information on this particular transaction, please contact one of our senior professionals.

PRESS RELEASE

Project Performance Corporation to Join Forces with AEA Technology plc

June 13, 2008

McLean, VA and London, UK – Project Performance Corporation, an information technology and environmental management services firm, announced today that it has entered into to a conditional agreement to join forces with AEA Technology plc (AEA), a leading climate change and energy consultancy business, headquartered in the United Kingdom, to create a 1000 person strong international consulting group.

Michael J Nigro, PPC’s Chief Executive Officer will become Chief Operations Officer and President of US Operations of the Enlarged Group and join the Board of AEA reporting to its CEO, Andrew McCree.

“I am very excited about this new phase in PPC’s development and the growth opportunities which bringing our business together with AEA offer, both here in the US, and internationally”, said Michael J. Nigro.

“Our core focus will not change – we will continue to simplify complex problems for top Government and Fortune 500 decision makers, now on a more global scale”.

With extensive expertise in the fields of climate change and energy consultancy, this transaction will enable AEA access to a fast-growing US federal and private sector markets for clean energy and climate change consulting services.

This transaction will open opportunities to leverage PPC’s IT services and knowledge into EU government markets including the UK where optimization of the use of data will help focus policy and investment in technologies. It will also strengthen AEA’s UK private sector offering as businesses seek to minimize the impact and cost of rising regulation by the collection and organization of data.

Andrew McCree, Chief Executive, AEA said, “Across the world we are seeing increasing demand from Governments and the private sector to collect and organize energy and climate change information. This is being driven by rising complexity of climate change regulation and escalating energy costs. A combination of PPC’s information technology and data management skills with AEA’s world class technical expertise in climate change provides us with a compelling proposition for growth.”

“We are very excited about the possibilities for the Enlarged Group and very impressed with the strength of the PPC business and its management team.”

The creation of the Enlarged Group is being enacted by the acquisition of PPC for US$ 65 million by AEA which is scheduled to complete in early August. PPC’s financial and legal advisors in this transaction are KippsDeSanto & Co. and Greenberg Traurig, respectively.

About Project Performance Corporation: Established in 1991, Project Performance Corporation is an information technology and environmental consulting firm supplying services to the US government and to industry in the US in the areas of energy and environmental consulting, information technology and program and project management. PPC supplies these services to approximately 20 US government agencies and a number of Fortune 500 companies across a wide range of industries. PPC is a privately owned US corporation based in McLean, Virginia, near Washington DC.

About aea Technology: AEA Technology is a leader in the field of climate change, carbon reduction and energy consultancy – operating in the UK, EU, the US and China. AEA employs around 700 people working from offices in the UK and Romania and its shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange (AAT.L).

The rising price of oil and gas is placing a renewed focus on energy efficiency as businesses look to protect profit margins. AEA is a leading advisor to UK Government, EU and many leading private sector organizations helping them to save money and prioritize investment.

AEA is at the forefront of advising Governments and the private sector in meeting the challenge of rising global temperatures. AEA manages one of the UK government’s largest resource efficiency and carbon dioxide reduction programs, the Envirowise Programme, which, over its lifetime of operations has saved approximately 1 percent of UK carbon dioxide emissions over that period. The company is also leading a ground breaking UK-Chinese venture to deal with China’s largest carbon challenge by reducing emissions from coal fired power stations to near zero. Recently, AEA completed a six-year environmental audit assessment on one of the world’s largest integrated oil & gas projects, Sakahlin II in Russia and in 2007, AEA was voted by customers across the UK, as the Best Consultancy for both Climate Change and Renewables at the prestigious EDIE Awards.

Press Contacts

Jeff Wilson
Corporate Development
(703) 748-7556
jwilson@ppc.com
Matthew Moth
Madano Partnership (on behalf of AEA)
00 44 (0) 207 593 4000
Matthew.Moth@madano.com
www.madano.com

Charles Reynolds
Madano Partnership (on behalf of AEA)
Charles.Reynolds@madano.com
www.madano.com