Training, national security drive Centra deal

Centra Technology Inc. has acquired Tate Inc. in a move to expand its training and technical solutions offerings for military, intelligence and law enforcement customers.

Terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Centra picks up new operations in North Carolina, Virginia and Washington state, where Tate, a 20-year-old company, provides personnel recovery and survival, evasion, resistance and escape training.

The company and 230 employees provide realistic training that supports unconventional warfare and counter-terrorism missions. It has also added counter-improvised explosive device and weapons of mass destruction training at its 20-acre facility south of Washington, D.C.

The acquisition grows Centra’s presence in Fayetteville, N.C., where it supports airborne and special operations forces. It also gets access to more prime contracts.

Tate will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centra and will be led by the founder and the senior management team.

The investment bank Aronson Capital Partners served as an advisor to Tate in the transaction.

In an Arsonson statement, they described several ways that the transaction demonstrates certain key trends in today’s mergers and acquisition market. These include how highly attractive companies are when they have highly specialized skills in mission critical areas with defense or civilian customers.

Another trend is that strong management teams with good track records garner support in the capital markets.

Another trend is that privately owned strategic buyers with capital are becoming more active in the M&A market, especially in national security areas.