Northrop Grumman finishes XonTech acquisition

Northrop Grumman Corp. has completed its acquisition of XonTech, a Van Nuys, Calif., science and technology firm specializing in missile defense, as well as sensor and intelligence data analysis, Northrop Grumman officials said Thursday.

The acquisition boosts Los Angeles-based Northrop Grumman's missile defense capabilities.

"XonTech's technology complements Northrop Grumman's expertise in data analysis and interpretation, phenomenology, sensors, radar design, algorithm development and modeling. XonTech's expertise and technology also strengthens our ability to develop the missile defense systems essential to countering 21st century threats," said Donald Winter, president of Northrop Grumman Mission Systems and lead corporate executive for missile defense.

XonTech employs 450 people and had 2002 revenue of approximately $73 million. The company will be integrated into Northrop Grumman's Mission Systems business, headquartered in Reston, Va. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Northrop Grumman's major missile defense programs include the Defense Support Program satellite, fire control and communications system for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense system, Mobile Tactical High Energy Laser and the Liquid Booster Development Program. Mission Systems also serves as prime contractor for the Joint National Integration Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Defense contractor Northrop Grumman had $17.2 billion in revenue in 2002 and was ranked No. 2 on Washington Technology's 2003 Top 100. It employs 120,000 people and has operations in all 50 states and 25 countries.