Trident Maritime Systems Divests UK Subsidiary AGI to DC Capital Partners

Trident Maritime Systems, a leading maritime systems and solutions provider and portfolio company of investment affiliates of J.F. Lehman & Company, has announced the divestiture of Trident Maritime Systems UK Limited and its subsidiaries, including Aeronautical & General Instruments Limited (AGI), to DC Capital Partners. The transaction represents a strategic realignment for both companies in the specialized maritime defense sector.

AGI stands as a prominent provider of highly engineered electronic systems that support landing, navigation, communications and other mission-critical naval applications. With a legacy dating back to 1915, AGI has established itself as a trusted partner to naval fleets worldwide, serving the U.S., U.K. and Allied forces with technical expertise and reliable solutions. The company's century-long reputation for excellence in naval systems makes this divestiture particularly significant for the global maritime defense industry.

Joe Mullen, Chief Executive Officer of Trident, emphasized the strategic rationale behind the transaction, stating that the divestiture will enable Trident to sharpen its focus on delivering for core U.S. customers. This move aligns with the company's objective to support the U.S. Navy's robust shipbuilding and sustainment plans, which represent substantial long-term opportunities in the domestic defense market. Mullen expressed appreciation for David Hyde and the AGI team's efforts in growing the business under Trident's ownership.

David Hyde, AGI CEO, highlighted the successful partnership with JFLCO and Trident while expressing optimism about the company's future under DC Capital's ownership. The transition to DC Capital, a private equity firm specializing in middle market government and engineering companies, positions AGI to capitalize on new opportunities and shape an enhanced future trajectory. This specialized ownership structure could provide AGI with the focused resources and strategic guidance needed to expand its global naval systems footprint.

The transaction involved KippsDeSanto & Co. serving as financial advisor to Trident, with Jones Day providing legal counsel, indicating the complexity and significance of the deal within the maritime defense sector. Trident Maritime Systems, headquartered in Arlington, VA, maintains its position as a comprehensive systems and solutions provider to government and commercial shipbuilders and operators worldwide, with strategically located operating facilities near major naval and commercial shipbuilders across the U.S. and internationally.

This divestiture reflects broader trends in the defense industry where companies are streamlining operations to focus on core competencies and key customer relationships. For Trident, concentrating resources on U.S. Navy requirements could enhance its competitive positioning amid increased defense spending and modernization initiatives. Meanwhile, AGI's transition to DC Capital ownership may accelerate its growth through targeted investments and strategic partnerships in the global naval systems market. The transaction underscores the dynamic nature of the maritime defense sector as companies adapt to evolving customer needs and market opportunities.

J.F. Lehman & Company, the private equity firm behind Trident, maintains its specialized focus on aerospace, defense, maritime, government and environmental industries through its offices in New York and Washington, D.C. More information about the firm is available at http://www.jflpartners.com.