These deals show some not halting their M&A plans
By
Ross Wilkers
The COVID-19 situation has redirected many companies' attention more inward and put their plans for acquisitions on pause for now, but this week's round of deals shows they can still happen.
The government market’s merger-and-acquisition environment still sees a deal close here and there even if the coronavirus pandemic has changed how many companies use their financial resources.
While the majority are preserving their cash and credit for internal use, three other examples of acquisitions getting done emerged this week after Perspecta disclosed its buy of DHPC Technologies and Xator completed its purchase of InCadence.
Space data firm Amergint Technologies is purchasing a precision optics business from the just-merged Raytheon Technologies, which was required by antitrust regulators to divest the unit.
In the midst of that, Amergint announced Wednesday it closed a deal to buy Tethers Unlimited to add more satellite radios and mesh network products for space-based communications. This deal is intended to help Amergint address hybrid architecture programs underway at Space Force, Space Development Agency, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Air Force and intelligence agencies.
Closer to the services landscape, Intrepid Solutions and Services disclosed that same day its acquisition of a business unit formerly owned by Delta Solutions and Strategies that holds a position on the governmentwide OASIS professional services vehicle.
The General Services Administration signed off on the novation of that contract May 2, while Intrepid has four years of runway to pursue task orders through the vehicle. This is Intrepid’s second acquisition since it received backing from Bluestone Investment Partners in November 2019.
One other deal announced this week is in the nonprofit realm and comes courtesy of the American Institutes for Research, which announced Tuesday that it acquired privately-owned global policy research firm IMPAQ.
AIR predominantly works today on education programs for federal, state and local agencies. The seven-decade-old firm is adding IMPAQ for more expertise and services in areas such as health and workforce development, plus the international and human services sectors.
IMPAQ was founded in 2001 also touts its programs involving the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Post-close, AIR will have close to 1,450 employees including IMPAQ’s 350 workers.
Investment bank Houlihan Lokey was financial adviser to IMPAQ on the transaction.