Boca Raton, FL – June 1, 2020 – AE Industrial Partners, LP (“AEI”), a private equity firm specializing in Aerospace, Defense & Government Services, Power Generation, and Specialty Industrial markets, announced today that it has acquired Deep Space Systems (DSS), a pioneer in the space industry providing mission-critical payloads, systems and components.
AEI will be combining Deep Space Systems with their recently acquired portfolio company, Adcole Space, to form Redwire, a space platform focused on designing and developing mission critical systems and high reliability electronics in support of the next generation space architecture.
Founded in 2001 and based in Littleton, Colorado, DSS supports the design, development, integration, testing, and operations of advanced space systems, components and exploration spacecraft. The Company’s products include integrated spacecraft, fully qualified payloads, spacecraft elements, data acquisition and recovery systems, ground support equipment and embedded software. DSS professionals have worked on many of the nation’s most notable spacecraft and space system projects including the Space Shuttle, ISS, Orion, Dream Chaser, many planetary exploration missions, and several large classified programs.
Adcole Space was established in 1957 and has been at the forefront of space exploration since its beginning, providing satellite components that are integral to the mission success of hundreds of low-earth orbit (LEO), geosynchronous (GEO) and interplanetary spacecraft. It has been an essential part of many space missions including voyages to Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto.
Redwire will combine the capabilities of both DSS and Adcole Space to form a new, unique and exciting participant in the rapidly growing space industry. The additional scale and complementary capabilities will provide significant value to both their respective customers.
“DSS and Adcole Space have been at the forefront of space exploration for decades and together, as part of a single space focused company in Redwire, have the unmatched flight heritage and demonstrated innovation to address the growing demand for the next generation of space systems and components,” said Peter Cannito, an Operating Partner at AEI.
“Combining DSS with Adcole Space to form Redwire will provide opportunities for current employees of DSS to contribute and build a truly one of a kind space company with unlimited potential,” said Steve Bailey, President of DSS. “The combination of our businesses will enable us to offer our customers a one-stop shop for complex space exploration products and services.”
“When AEI acquired Adcole Space earlier this year, we saw an opportunity to build an innovative and unique space technology platform, and with the acquisition of DSS, we are pleased that we have been able to form Redwire, a one of a kind new industry leader in space,” said Kirk Konert, a Partner at AEI.
BRG served as the financial advisor and Akerman LLP served as the legal advisor to AEI. Holland & Hart LLP served as the legal advisor to DSS.
About Deep Space Systems
Headquartered in Littleton, Colorado, Deep Space Systems (DSS) is a leader in space systems engineering supporting the design, development, integration, testing, and operations of science, technology, and exploration spacecraft. The Company’s products range from integrated spacecraft to fully qualified space components to ground support equipment and software. Its advanced engineering capabilities include design and analysis of space systems and subsystems including Structures, Mechanisms, Propulsion, Power, Thermal, Telecommunications, Avionics, Optical, and Instrumentation systems. For more information, please visit www.deepspacesystems.com.
About Redwire
Formed by the combination of Adcole Space and Deep Space Systems, Redwire is a new leader in mission critical space solutions and high reliability components for the next generation space architecture. With decades of flight heritage combined with the agile and innovative culture of a new space company, Redwire is uniquely positioned to assist our customers in solving the complex challenges of future space missions. For more information, please visit www.redwire.space.
About AE Industrial Partners
AE Industrial Partners is a private equity firm specializing in Aerospace, Defense & Government Services, Power Generation, and Specialty Industrial markets. AE Industrial Partners invests in market-leading companies that can benefit from its deep industry knowledge, operating experience, and relationships throughout its target markets. Learn more at www.aeroequity.com.
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Lambert & Co.
Jennifer Hurson
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jhurson@lambert.com
or
Kristin Celauro
(732) 433-5200
kcelauro@lambert.com
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