Wyle to buy RSIS

Wyle Inc. is making a major move into the federal contracting arena with its announced intention to acquire government integrator RS Information Systems Inc. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The acquisition is expected to increase Wyle's 2008 revenue to about $800 million and the number of employees to more than 4,200, the company said. RSIS of McLean, Va., has more than 100 prime contracts with defense, civilian and law enforcement agencies.

The acquisition of RSIS will make Wyle a major federal information technology provider with a large presence in Washington, said George Melton, Wyle's chairman, chief executive officer and president.

"This acquisition will enable Wyle to significantly broaden its presence in the information technology services sector and add key new contracts and customers that will complement our current client base," Melton said.

RSIS will become Wyle's fourth strategic business unit, joining the Aerospace Group; Life Sciences Group; and Test, Engineering and Research Group. The deal is expected to close in early 2008. The investment bank Stifel, Nicolaus & Co. served as advisor to RSIS.

Wyle of El Segundo, Calif., specializes in aerospace engineering, testing and research.

RSIS is No. 49 on Washington Technology's 2007 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.