Argon ST buys defense wireless communications firm

Argon ST, which designs and produces command and control signal systems and sensors for the military and other customers, acquired San Diego Research Center (SDRC) for approximately $41 million in cash. The sale was effective July 3.

Founded in 2001, SDRC has built and integrated wireless systems for the military. The company has experience in systems engineering, waveforms, networks and management. It also builds modems, networking and systems solutions.

SDRC expects to earn about $20 million in revenue for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30 and is expected to increase Argon’s fourth-quarter revenue by about $5 million, according to a press release.

In the past year, the management and engineering teams at SDRC and Argon ST have worked together on several proposals and contracts. The combination of the two companies will provide customers with complementary technologies that support real-time tactical operations, the release states.

“The merger brings SDRC the benefit of a larger business presence and infrastructure to support continued explosive growth, while further stimulating our abilities to invent and apply wireless technologies to new business opportunities that are made possible by Argon ST,” said Lindsey McClure, SDRC president, in the statement.

“The combination of workforce skills, cultural fit and technology will allow Argon ST to expand into new markets and to support SDRC’s expected rapid future growth,” said Terry Collins, Argon ST president and chief executive officer.

Argon ST, based in Fairfax, Va., builds signal intelligence, electronic warfare, imaging and acoustics systems and sensors for communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance programs.