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Acquisition

Monese adopts Thought Machine's core banking platform Vault

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Monese adopts Thought Machine's core banking platform Vault
  • Monese to migrate European and UK account holders onto Thought Machine’s core banking platform
  • Thought Machine’s modern core banking technology combined with Monese’s mobile-first approach will unlock new features and capabilities for millions of customers

Monese, the popular pan-European banking service that provides instant and localised mobile money accounts in 31 countries, today announces it will adopt Thought Machine’s cloud native core banking platform Vault. Monese, which provides accounts to both consumers and businesses, will migrate its existing customer base onto Thought Machine’s cloud native platform, as it focuses on strengthening the company’s core technology platform and its banking infrastructure.

Vault’s unique product building toolkit, known as Smart Contracts, empowers banks and fintech companies to build new products rapidly while radically improving the onboarding and ongoing customer experience. This is in stark contrast to banks who are constrained by inflexible legacy technology. Vault will provide Monese with the cloud technology foundation required to deliver pioneering customer experiences at speed, and enhanced resilience for millions of its customers.

This partnership brings together two fintech companies with a shared vision for the future of financial services and a deep passion for engineering excellence in product development. Founded in 2014 by former Google engineer Paul Taylor, Thought Machine brings truly cloud native technology to core banking. Thought Machine names Lloyds Banking Group, Atom, SEB and Standard Chartered as clients and users of its platform, Vault.

Monese was launched in 2015 by entrepreneur Norris Koppel after his first-hand experience of the hassle involved with opening a bank account in a new country. With its mobile money accounts, portability across 31 countries, and its availability in 14 languages, Monese is instant, on-demand and financially inclusive. Its UK and European accounts will be powered by Vault to enable faster product delivery, greater resilience and a more seamless banking experience for new and existing customers.

Norris Koppel, CEO at Monese, comments: “At Monese, our goal is to provide truly modern portable banking services so customers have the freedom to thrive wherever they are in the world. By adopting Vault, we unlock new possibilities to deliver a seamless banking experience that  will  inevitably help us reach more customers.”

Paul Taylor, CEO at Thought Machine, adds: “The most ambitious, and most dominant technology companies, all run their systems entirely in the cloud. Monese has now joined an elite group of financial services companies which deliver innovation, security, and resilience to its customers, at scale. Vault’s hyper flexible core banking platform enables its clients to build and deliver banking services exactly as they want. We are excited to see Monese deliver on its vision of financial freedom using our truly cloud native platform.”

Acquisition

Lockheed Martin to Acquire Terran Orbital

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Strategic Acquisition Reinforces Lockheed Martin’s Commitment to Expanding Advanced Satellite Manufacturing and Responsive Space Capabilities

BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 15, 2024 — Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] today announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Terran Orbital [NYSE: LLAP], a global leader of satellite-based solutions primarily supporting the aerospace and defense industries.

Terran Orbital brings a high throughput, robotic manufacturing capacity and high-performing modular space vehicle designs. Combined with Lockheed Martin’s record of performance and innovation, this transaction will usher in an even broader range of capabilities and value for customers. Lockheed Martin uses Terran Orbital’s satellites for its work, most notably with the Space Development Agency’s Transport and Tracking Layer programs, and in several of its self-funded technology demonstrations.

“We’ve worked with Terran Orbital for more than seven years on a variety of successful missions,” said Robert Lightfoot, president, Lockheed Martin Space. “Their capabilities, talent and business momentum align with Lockheed Martin Space’s strategic plans – and we’re looking forward to welcoming them to our team. Our customers require advanced technology and even faster product development, and that’s what we can achieve together.”

The transaction stands to pave a path for further advancement, as Lockheed Martin continues to invest in technology, people, and capacity to support future customer needs.

“This transaction combines our strengths and expertise,” said Marc Bell, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Terran Orbital. “This move will open new opportunities for growth and innovation, and we couldn’t be more excited about the future. Access to Lockheed Martin’s incredible engineers and world class facilities will only accelerate our business plan to provide low-cost, high-value solutions to our ever-growing customer base.”

Transaction Details

The enterprise value of the transaction is approximately $450 million. Lockheed Martin will acquire Terran Orbital for $0.25 in cash for each outstanding share of common stock and retire its existing debt. This transaction also provides for Lockheed Martin and other current Terran Orbital creditors establishing a new, $30 million working capital facility that has been put in place as of signing.

The transaction is expected to close in fourth quarter of 2024 and is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including regulatory and Terran Orbital stockholder approvals. Upon closing, Terran Orbital will remain a commercial merchant supplier to industry.

Proven Spacecraft Portfolio and Technology

Terran Orbital has a track record of supporting more than 80 missions over the past decade for government and commercial customers with complex mission requirements, from low earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. As of today, Lockheed Martin is Terran Orbital’s largest customer. This longstanding working relationship between the companies underpins a strong cultural alignment and ability to recognize synergies between the two businesses.

Terran Orbital joined the Lockheed Martin Ventures (LM Ventures) portfolio – a fund that makes investments in technology innovations to drive growth in existing, adjacent and new segments for the company – with an initial investment in 2017. LM Ventures has since made two additional investments in Terran Orbital in 2020 and 2022. This marks the first LM Ventures company that Lockheed Martin has sought to acquire since founding the fund in 2007.

About Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready.

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers.

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Acquisition

Arieli EL to Acquires a 59.1% Stake in Elron Ventures, a Leading Cybersecurity and B2B Software Holding Company, for $53.2M

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The acquisition underscores the continued strength of the Israeli cyber and B2B software, where cyber exits accounted for 51% of total tech transactions in 2023. Lisya Bahar-Manoah is leading the acquisition and has joined Arieli EL as Managing Partner.

NEW YORK and TEL AVIV, Israel, July 22, 2024 — Arieli EL, part of the Arieli group of companies, has today announced the acquisition of a 59.1% stake in veteran cyber and B2B software holding company Elron Ventures (TASE: ELRN) for $53.2 million from Discount Investment Corporation Ltd. This acquisition highlights the significant market opportunities within the Israeli ecosystem, especially in cybersecurity and defense. Lisya Bahar-Manoah, Managing Partner at Arieli EL, is leading the acquisition of Elron Ventures (Elron).

Gartner forecasts that security and risk management spending will reach over $200 billion globally in 2024, representing a 14.3% year-over-year growth. This trend demonstrates the growing importance of cybersecurity, a sector where Israel, home to over 500 cybersecurity companies, is regarded as a global leader.

“The gap between real-time cyber solutions and evolving cyber threats is a critical challenge,” said Lisya Bahar-Manoah, Managing Partner at Arieli EL. “In 2023, there were more than 300 million victims of cybercrime globally, with data breaches rising by 78% in the US alone. Israeli cybersecurity exits in 2023 grew by 65% totalling $7.1 billion, and we see this trajectory only gathering pace in 2024 as demonstrated by reports of Google’s acquisition of Wiz for $23 billion. We are excited to be partnering with Elron’s team as well as Elron’s joint venture with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (Rafael) to further contribute to this sector and continue building innovative solutions for sustained growth.”

Elron Ventures has over $250 million in assets under management (AUM) and its portfolio includes over 19 companies across the cybersecurity, B2B Software, and health-tech spaces. Since 2010, Elron’s portfolio has had 15 exits, totaling $2.2B. Notable portfolio companies include: Cynerio, a healthcare cybersecurity company, ensures patient safety and data protection by securing the connected medical device ecosystem; Cybersixgill, developing automated threat intelligence solutions across the clear, deep, and dark web; Cyvers, offering a real-time platform for detecting and mitigating cyber attacks on cryptocurrency and digital assets; IRONSCALES, an automated phishing prevention, detection & response platform; Sayata, automating insurance company processes; Red Access, providing the first agentless platform to secure all browsing activities of corporate employees on any browser, web app or cloud service and Scribe Security, providing a comprehensive solution to secure software supply chains.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to combine our joint experience and know-how in nurturing Israeli tech ventures throughout all stages of growth with Arieli’s vast global network to provide the platform for our portfolio’s success,” said Dan Hoz, Chairman of the Elron Venture’s board.

About Arieli EL

Arieli EL, part of the Arieli group of companies, addresses global challenges with a forward-thinking investment strategy. Arieli EL has deep roots in the global family office space, specializing in High-tech and Healthcare investments. Arieli EL strives to provide family offices and institutional investors with access to unique opportunities while providing portfolio companies access to our global network.

About Arieli Capital

Arieli Capital (Arieli) is a multifaceted global investment firm that is an active investor and partner in the next generation of technology companies. Arieli Capital continuously strives to identify and support companies creating real impact while keeping financial returns as the primary objective. Arieli is a recognized global leader in innovation, creating  and operating  programs across governmental, academic and corporate partnerships.

About Elron Ventures

Elron Ventures is a leading early-stage investor committed to turning promising ideas into global industry leaders, with a proven track record of investments and successful M&As worldwide. Elron invests in cyber security and B2B software.

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Acquisition

Aviat Networks Acquires 4RF, a Leading Provider of Industrial Wireless Access Solutions for Critical Infrastructure

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AUSTIN, Texas, July 2, 2024 — Aviat Networks, Inc. (“Aviat”) (Nasdaq: AVNW), the leading expert in wireless transport and access solutions, today announced the acquisition of 4RF Limited (“4RF”), a leading provider of industrial wireless access solutions, including narrowband point-to-point/multi-point radios and Private LTE and 5G routers.

Designed specifically for critical infrastructure networks including utilities, oil and gas, mining, public safety and military, 4RF’s family of narrowband radios and LTE and 5G routers offer industry leading reliability and performance. Common applications include Private LTE/5G, smart grid, distribution automation, metering and renewables, as well as general supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and telemetry applications.

Spending on critical infrastructure networks is increasing worldwide driven by growing demand for security, automation, and fixed and mobile data communications such as video. Additionally, the increasing availability of spectrum for private networks in various countries around the world is a catalyst for growth.

This acquisition opens new segments for Aviat: a $200M 1 narrowband connectivity segment and the Cellular (LTE/5G) Router market which is $1.4B 2 market today growing to $2.5B by 2027.

With a proven and established presence in over 300 critical infrastructure customers in 160 countries worldwide, 4RF’s portfolio augments Aviat’s established offering of wireless access and transport solutions for private networks. Approximately 90% of 4RF and Aviat Networks utility customers are distinct, creating the possibility for future cross-selling opportunities.

“Operators of mission critical networks around the world rely on Aviat Networks for ultra-reliable and high-performance wireless solutions,” said Pete Smith, President and CEO of Aviat Networks. “Our acquisition of 4RF will further strengthen and expand our product offering for the global industrial wireless access markets including Private LTE/5G.”

Aviat expects the transaction to be immediately accretive to Aviat’s gross margin and to be accretive to adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP EPS in the first year. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

About Aviat Networks
Aviat Networks, Inc. is the leading expert in wireless transport and access solutions and works to provide dependable products, services and support to its customers. With more than one million systems sold into 170 countries worldwide, communications service providers and private network operators including state/local government, utility, federal government and defense organizations trust Aviat with their critical applications. Coupled with a long history of microwave innovations, Aviat provides a comprehensive suite of localized professional and support services enabling customers to drastically simplify both their networks and their lives. For more than 70 years, the experts at Aviat have delivered high performance products, simplified operations, and the best overall customer experience.

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