CACI discredits BAE takeover rumors

CACI International Inc. stated emphatically that it has not been in talks with BAE Systems plc about a possible acquisition by the British aerospace and defense company.

"CACI is not, and has not been, in discussion with BAE Systems regarding a possible business combination, and has not authorized anyone to engage in such discussion on its behalf," the Arlington, Va., government IT contractor said in a written statement released yesterday.

The company's swift response is an exception to its policy of not commenting on speculation about negotiations with other companies. CACI wanted to alleviate concerns expressed by some of its federal clients about potential conflicts of interest with the work the CACI is performing for them if BAE were to acquire the company.

CACI's federal clients include the Defense Department and the military and intelligence communities.

News reports about a possible acquisition by BAE started after a British business newspaper reported May 14 that the two companies had been holding talks. BAE Systems previously declined to comment on whether it has been holding talks to possibly acquire CACI International Inc.

CACI ranks No. 13 on Washington Technology's 2006 Top 100 list of federal IT prime contractors. BAE Systems ranks No. 11 on the list.