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On June 21, Israel-based RADA Electronic Industries Ltd. and Arlington, VA-based Leonardo DRS Inc. announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to merge and become a combined public company. The capabilities of the two companies are expected to generate strong growth from a wide range of new and high-growth markets, and are shaping the future battlefield for the U.S. military and its allies across all domains.
Upon closing of the transaction, which is expected in the fourth quarter of 2022, RADA will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Leonardo DRS. Leonardo DRS is expected to be listed on NASDAQ and TASE under the symbol “DRS.”
This transaction is anticipated to strengthen Leonardo DRS into a market leader in advanced sensing and force protection aligned to many of the fastest growing segments of the U.S. and international defense markets. RADA’s unique advanced tactical radars are complementary to Leonardo DRS and are expected to improve its position as an air defense, counter-UAS and vehicle protection integrator in the force protection market segment. For RADA, combining with Leonardo DRS is expected to significantly bolster its global competitive positioning and increase its scale, program diversity, cash generation and addressable market, providing significant future growth and value creation opportunities. Together, the Combined Company expects to be a market leader in force protection and integrated multi-domain systems, addressing global opportunities through the worldwide presence of Leonardo SpA.
According to the companies, RADA and Leonardo DRS are complementary technology companies, and their close historical relationship through collaboration on multiple programs, has resulted in a deep cultural fit. The combined company will work across a broad portfolio of defense products, including advanced sensing, force protection, network computing and electrical power and propulsion. The combined company will have positions on critical force protection programs, including its partnership on the Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) and RADA positions on SOCOM SIP (special operations command system integration partner) with Anduril Industries, the USMC GBAD (ground based air defense) and the USAF ABAD (Air Base Air Defense) Programs of Record.
Leonardo DRS’s parent company and sole shareholder, Leonardo SpA, is a leading global aerospace and dDefense company. Leonardo SpA’s market position will provide access to a reshaped European defense market as well as defense markets around the world, while also establishing a home market in Israel.
“The combination of RADA’s tactical radar capabilities and Leonardo DRS’ strength as a premier mid-tier defense provider make the combined company a leader in the rapidly growing force protection market, increases our addressable market, expands international opportunities and ultimately unlocks value for shareholders,” said William Lynn III, CEO of Leonardo DRS. “The transaction also provides flexibility for the combined company to add capabilities in Leonardo DRS’ core markets through targeted acquisitions and strategic investments as we expect to supplement strong organic growth with M&A and dividend distributions as part of our overall strategy going forward.”
Dov Sella, RADA’s CEO, commented: “I could not be prouder of the platform we have built throughout my nearly 20 years with RADA, culminating in this important strategic transaction with Leonardo DRS. The combination of two leading technology-focused defense companies with diversified exposure to key U.S. Department of Defense programs and an international presence creates a true win-win for RADA and Leonardo DRS shareholders. The transaction represents the first time a major U.S.-based defense company backed by a global defense prime has acquired a significant Israeli defense technology company. This unique transaction will strengthen the Israeli defense industry and set trends and direction for the future. For RADA specifically, joining forces with Leonardo DRS will significantly increase our competitiveness in the emerging and demanding markets we are addressing, which are dominated by strong and established players. We look forward to working alongside the Leonardo DRS team to continue driving innovation in the advanced sensing and force protection markets, and value creation for our shareholders.”
Source: RADA
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