Keeping an eye on returns in a sluggish market

Merger and acquisition activity in the federal IT and government services markets has been strong for five years, coinciding with federal spending increases exceeding longer-term norms.

Software AG buys WebMethods

Software AG will acquire WebMethods Inc., a provider of business integration software, in an all-cash deal of about $546 million.

ATK grabs Swales Aerospace

Alliant Techsystems Inc. will acquire Swales Aerospace Inc., a provider of satellite components and subsystems, and engineering services to the government and commercial sectors.

Settled in

Cofoni gets comfortable in new role at CACI.

Stanley snaps up Techrizon

Stanley Inc. acquired Techrizon LLC in a move designed to strengthen its offerings to military customers.

M & A Roundup

Oracle to buy Hyperion for $3B.

Survey: Professional services dominate federal buying

In an era of tight federal budgets, a new survey shows that procurement spending is no longer linked to budget fluctuations and that professional services and information technology dominate government buying.

Coast Guard charts new acquisition course for cutters

The Coast Guard has removed 12 patrol boats from its Deepwater contract held by a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.

QNA closes Analex buy

QinetiQ North America has completed its acquisition of Analex Corp.

ATS buys Reliable Integration Services

ATS Corp. has acquired Reliable Integration Services, a network systems integrator for defense and civilian federal government customers.

Oracle's $3B acquisition of Hyperion: 'A rough road ahead?'

Oracle's planned purchase of Hyperion may result in software that allows government customers to more easily merge strategic plans with operational data, though industry observers also worry about integration issues.

QinetiQ snaps up ITS

The companies have signed a definitive merger agreement and expect to complete the transaction by the end of April.

M&A Special Report: New small-biz rule could dampen M&As

New rule may hurt small businesses.

In the current climate, some gain a clear edge

A select group of companies will attract strong buyer interest this year.

CapRock grabs Arrowhead Global Solutions

CapRock Communications has acquired Arrowhead Global Solutions Inc., a supplier of integrated communications solutions to the federal government and military.

L-1 closes ComnetiX purchase

L-1 Identity Solutions has completed its acquisition of ComnetiX, a provider of secure identification and authentication products and services.

Veritas closes Pearson unit purchase

The outsourcing provider Pearson Government Solutions is now operating as Vangent in the wake of its purchase by Veritas Capital Partners.

What's in your toolbox?

Government demands put more value on certifications, standards and process improvement.