LightRidge Solutions on Monday said it has acquired Trident Systems, a developer and producer of space electronics and integrated C4ISR solutions for customers in the national security and federal civilian markets.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. LightRidge, a portfolio company of the private equity firm ATL Partners
, was stood up in late 2022 through the acquisitions of space payloads provider GEOST in 2021 and the airborne laser sensor solutions company Ophir Corp. in 2022.
Trident is based in Northern Virginia. The company in March said Northrop Grumman [NOC] awarded it a subcontract to provide processing and storage electronics for 14 of the Space Development Agency’s Tranche 1 Tracking Layer.
Trident also provides handheld radio interoperability devices for military, public safety, and shipboard applications.
Trident’s customers include the military services, intelligence community, and prime contractors for satellites and space systems.
“This transaction brings together two highly complementary, mission-focused businesses with proven track records of delivering uniquely capable, small form factor sensing, processing, and decision automation solutions across a breadth of challenging missions,” Bill Gattle, CEO of LightRidge, said in a statement. “Trident is a leader in space computing and C4ISR solutions with a strong brand that both U.S. DoD and international customers trust and respect.”
Trident brings about 150 employees, upping LightRidge’s headcount to about 380.
LightRidge will work with Trident to “scale high-volume production and delivery under demanding schedule requirements, while continuing to prioritize cutting-edge technology for our customers,” he said.
Dan Hibbard will continue to lead Space Electronics and James O’Looney C4ISR Solutions for Trident. John Broglio, who has been Trident’s president since June 2021 and has been with the company for over 30 years, is retiring.
Trident’s financial adviser on the deal was G Squared Capital and Houlihan Lokey advised LightRidge and ATL Partners.