Cobham snaps up SPARTA

Dorset-headquartered defence and aerospace systems company

is to purchase US scientific, systems engineering and technical assistance services provider

, for $416m (£216m).

Cobham said acquiring SPARTA would help place it in a leading position within the high growth US intelligence and missile defence markets, together with its recent purchase of Lansdale Sensors and Antennas.

The acquisition is expected to complete in the second quarter of 2008, subject to regulatory and SPARTA shareholder approvals.

SPARTA, which is run from Washington DC, will in time be incorporated as a separate strategic business unit within an expanded North America Cobham Division.

Allan Cook, Cobham’s chief executive, said: 'I am delighted that we have been able to reach agreement to acquire SPARTA, which is one of the leading companies in areas of critical importance in the provision of US national security. The strong incumbent management will provide Cobham with an exciting platform for growth in the systems engineering and technical assistance segment, which is complementary to our existing US intelligence and defence capabilities. This is a major step forward in the implementation of Cobham's technology strategy and the creation of a significant Tier 2 business supplying the US DoD and intelligence markets.'