Just two weeks after announcing its purchase of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) developer Aeryon Labs, FLIR Systems on Monday announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Endeavor Robotic Holdings, Inc., maker of unmanned ground vehicle (UGVs) for customers in the military, public safety and critical infrastructure markets, from Arlington Capital Partners for $385 million.
Endeavor’s robots leverage advanced sensing and actuation in providing explosive ordnance disposal, reconnaissance, inspection, and hazardous materials, and have been deployed in numerous applications, including by police and SWAT teams, first responders, as well as at nuclear power and industrial plants. The company, which is based outside Boston and was formerly known as iRobot Defense & Security, has shipped more than 7,000 UGVs to customers in over 55 countries.
Endeavor is also one of the largest UGV providers to the U.S. Department of Defense and was recently awarded the U.S. Army’s Man Transportable Robotic System Increment II (MTRS Inc II) contract. The company’s robots range in size from the five-pound FirstLook reconnaissance robot to the 500-pound Kobra heavy-lift robot, and all are controllable under one common command and control system.
“The acquisition of Endeavor Robotics, coupled with previous acquisitions of Aeryon Labs and Prox Dynamics, has positioned FLIR as a leading unmanned solutions provider and advances the strategy we detailed at our Investor Day last year,” said Jim Cannon, President and CEO of FLIR Systems. “This acquisition aligns with our evolution from sensors to intelligent sensing and ultimately solutions that save lives and livelihoods. Endeavor’s momentum with the U.S. DoD and other global defense and police forces provides us significant opportunity to participate in long-term franchise programs and will help us create growth for the company.”
“Joining forces with FLIR Systems will allow Endeavor to take its life-saving technology to the next level, so we can better serve the warfighter, the police officer, and the first responder who use our robots on the frontlines every day,” said Sean Bielat, CEO of Endeavor. “We’re excited to be part of a company that sees its strategic growth in unmanned systems and will invest in our products, platforms and people. It is a tremendous fit and we look forward to the mission ahead.”
Upon completion of the transaction, Endeavor will become part of the FLIR Government and Defense Business Unit’s Unmanned Systems and Integrated Solutions division. The deal is expected to close during the first quarter of 2019.
