LightRidge Solutions Acquires Trident Systems

LightRidge Solutions, a Leading Provider of Defense Mission Solutions, Expands Portfolio with Trident Systems Acquisition

Tucson, Arizona - LightRidge Solutions, a portfolio company of ATL Partners and a prominent provider of space and defense mission solutions, announces its acquisition of Trident Systems. This strategic move solidifies LightRidge's position as a leading provider of high-performance space electronics and C4ISR solutions. The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

This marks the third acquisition for LightRidge, which was established in 2021 with the aim of meeting the growing demand for technology-forward, high-performance yet cost-effective national security solutions. The company's existing portfolio includes GEOST, a prominent provider of high-end space payloads, and Ophir Corporation, a provider of advanced laser sensing solutions primarily serving the stealth airborne market.

Trident Systems is a well-known provider of highly reliable, resilient, and open-architecture space electronics. Their product range includes multi-function, radio-frequency processors, software-defined radios, on-board processors, and data storage solutions for demanding U.S. national security space missions. Trident is also recognized for its innovative and affordable C4ISR solutions that address mission-critical needs across the air, land, and sea domains.

With this acquisition, LightRidge aims to expand on Trident's track record of innovation and invest in new solutions. The collaboration will leverage an expanded base of engineering and science talent to increase Trident's production capacity. As part of LightRidge, Trident will be able to offer a broader range of high-performance yet affordable sensing and computing solutions in small size, weight, and power packages. These mission-critical systems find applications in various defense and commercial domains, including space domain awareness/space control, laser communications, and the survivability of stealth aircraft.

Bill Gattle, CEO of LightRidge, emphasizes the complementary nature of this transaction. "This brings together two highly complementary, mission-focused businesses with a proven track record of delivering uniquely capable, small form factor sensing, processing, and decision automation solutions across a breadth of challenging missions," says Gattle. He further adds that Trident's brand is respected and trusted by both U.S. Department of Defense and international customers, making it an excellent addition to LightRidge.

Michael Kramer, the Chairman of LightRidge, highlights the importance of disruptive technologies in solving pressing challenges faced by the national security community. As the industry partner with a national security space and intelligence solutions focus, LightRidge aims to broaden its capabilities across critical domains. He expresses enthusiasm for the collaboration with Trident and the support it will provide to the talented team at Trident.

The acquisition marks an exciting chapter of growth for Trident Systems. John Broglio, the company's President, acknowledges the shared culture of innovation and passion for providing best-in-class solutions. He expresses confidence that the partnership with LightRidge will drive further innovation and operational scale while supporting the evolving missions of their customers.

In addition to the acquisition announcement, LightRidge extends their gratitude to G Squared Capital for serving as financial advisor to Trident and Holland & Knight for providing legal counsel. Furthermore, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher served as legal counsel, while Quilty Space and Houlihan Lokey acted as financial advisors to LightRidge and ATL Partners.

About LightRidge Solutions

LightRidge provides advanced sensing, processing, and automation solutions for demanding missions at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems. Their high-performance sensors and electronics in small form factors enable the proliferation of resilient and affordable space architectures for the U.S. military, intelligence communities, and selected commercial and international customers. LightRidge is dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of its partners by transforming survivability and resilience, domain awareness, ISR, and communications solutions for challenging missions.

About Trident Systems

For over three decades, Trident Systems has been a leader in multi-function space electronics and integrated C4ISR solutions. The company adopts a rapid response, radiation effects-mitigated design approach, delivering semi-custom, high-performance mission computing solutions at significantly lower costs. Trident Systems is relied upon by military and federal organizations dedicated to designing, developing, and deploying innovative command and control systems for the safety and survivability of armed forces and the protection of the National Capital Region.

About ATL Partners

ATL Partners is a premier private equity firm founded in 2014, specializing in aerospace & defense, transportation, and logistics investments. With an experienced team, ATL brings deep sector expertise and a network of operating resources to its investment approach. Their extensive relationships in core sectors enable them to provide valuable insights and guidance to portfolio companies.

For more information about LightRidge Solutions, please visit www.lightridgesolutions.com.

For more information about Trident Systems, please visit www.tridsys.com.

For more information about ATL Partners, please visit www.atlpartners.com.