Investment Firm Highlander Buys Counter-UAS Tech Maker Liteye

Highlander Partners has acquired Liteye Systems, a developer of counter-unmanned aircraft system platforms for defense and national security applications, in a deal that marks the private equity firm’s first investment move since it launched a holding company in May to pursue C-UAS market opportunities.

Liteye‘s offering for U.S. and international military customers is designed to detect, track and reach hostile drones, Highlander said Monday.

The acquisition represents Highlander’s initial acquisition in the c-UAS industry through its High Point Aerotechnologies division, led by former U.S. Army officer Jim Gavrilis.

“We anticipate that Liteye will be the first step in establishing a larger platform and intend to pursue additional M&A in the space,” said Ben Slater, a partner at Highlander.

Jeff Hull, president and CEO of Highlander, noted that the acquired business offers “a system of systems approach” compared with other sector vendors.

Baker McKenzie acted as legal counsel to Highlander on the transaction, while Forbes M+A Group and Holland & Hart respectively provided financial and legal advisory services to Liteye.

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