QinetiQ Group plc, a science and engineering company operating in the defence, security and infrastructure markets, has announced it has completed the acquisition of Avantus Federal LLC for $590million.

The deal comes in the same week as QinetiQ – along with its Aurora Partners Atkins and BMT – agreed a £31m contract win with the MoD to support on the Future Combat Air System for aircraft that will replace the Typhoon from the mid-2030s.

Avantus is a provider of cyber, data and software solutions to US defence, intelligence and security agencies.

Its customer relationships and technical capabilities will complement QinetiQ’s existing US business, providing what the companies said was a strong platform to drive further growth in the US and beyond.

Integrated global defence and security

Steve Wadey, Group Chief Executive Officer of QinetiQ, said: “I am delighted that we have completed the acquisition of Avantus today – it is a strategic milestone in our five-year ambition to build an integrated global defence and security company, delivering innovation for our customers’ mission.

“This acquisition extends our customer base, strengthens our capabilities and builds scale in the largest defence and security market in the world.

“With a strong track record of 10 per cent-plus growth at attractive margins, Avantus is a brilliant strategic and cultural fit and positions us to meet the increasing mission-critical needs of our US defence and intelligence customers with agility and pace.”

‘Agility’

Shawn Purvis, president and CEO of QinetiQ US, said: “We are thrilled to welcome our Avantus colleagues to QinetiQ US. Avantus’ elite talent, differentiated technology solutions, and dedication to mission, complement our innovative culture.

“I am honoured to lead a combined team that shares a focus on performance and a proven ability to be agile in impactful delivery at the speed of our customers’ missions.”
Subscribe to the FINN weekly newsletter