Industry Week in Review – January 6, 2012

This week, President Obama unveiled a new plan for defense spending and strategy officially titled: Sustaining Global Leadership: Priorities for 21st Century Defense.  The plan outlines more than $487 billion in cuts and ultimately calls for a “leaner” and more “agile” military that uses smaller conventional ground forces amid cuts in federal spending.  With the shifting threat environment, the U.S. will no longer focus on the ability to fight two land wars at the same time, but rather strengthen new capabilities in special operations forces, C4ISR, unmanned systems, space and cybersecurity.  Furthermore, the military will shift its focus away from the Middle East and more towards the Asia Pacific region as growing threats and regional influence from China ensue.

The strategy also intends to reduce the U.S. nuclear stockpile, trim ground forces, and invest in weapons that can penetrate denied regions.  Though specific program cuts were not addressed, they are expected to be unveiled with the 2013 defense budget proposal, which the White House is scheduled to send to congress next month.

Big Movers

CPI Aerostructures Inc. (Up 9.7%) – Share rose this week after the company announced a purchase order from Boeing Defense, Space & Security valued at $12.7 million, as well as announcing that new business awards from all customers for 2011 was approximately $83.6 million compared to $61.7 million for all of 2010.

SPX Corporation (Up 8.5%) – Shares are up this week after the company announced a strategic joint venture with Shanghai Electric Group to supply products to the power sector in China. Shanghai Electric in one of China’s leading diversified heavy equipment manufacturers, with 2010 revenue of $9.5 billion. SPX aims to grow its presence in China through leveraging Shanghai Electric’s strong relationships among utilities, power plant builders, and engineering procurement companies.

Relevant Transactions

IBM Corporation to acquire Green Hat Software Limited, a provider of software quality and testing solutions for the cloud and other environments. The acquisition allows IBM to offer a complete software development and testing solution to its customers and capitalize on growing software testing markets. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Grey Mountain Partners acquires Global Security Glazing, a provider of security and architectural glazing solutions for correctional facilities, courthouses, and government security buildings. The acquisition demonstrates the heightened focus on safety and security for government buildings as well as the increasing demand for energy efficient glazing solutions. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Clearview Capital acquires Gregory C. Rigamer & Associates, Inc., a provider of consulting services and technology solutions for aviation, elections, energy, and public safety sectors. The acquisition will allow Clearview to provide consulting services for various growing industries. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Blue Wolf Capital Partners acquires Channel Technologies Group, a provider of piezo-electric ceramics, transducers and complex systems and services. The acquisition allows Blue Wolf Capital to take advantage of the increased requirements of the U.S. Government and other Channel Technologies customers. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions acquires selected assets of an unnamed security and public safety system integration business, which designs, engineers, deploys, manages and maintains specialty security systems for the U.S. Government for $20 million. The acquisition is significant as Kratos essentially acquired one of its most formidable competitors. Furthermore, it will significantly expand its capabilities, qualifications, customer relationships, contract portfolio and geographic depth and breadth.

Electronic Consulting Services, Inc. (ECS) acquires Paradigm Technologies, Inc., a provider of product oriented management and technical services for federal government customers. The acquisition provides ECS with access to new customers, including the Missile Defense Agency, Navy PEO IWS 3.0, United States Marine Corps, and the US Marshal Service. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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