Aerospace & Defense

Arlington Capital Partners Announces Sale of NLX Corporation to Rockwell Collins

WASHINGTON, DC, October 17 — Arlington Capital Partners, a Washington, DC based private equity firm, today announced the sale of one of its portfolio companies, NLX Holding Corporation — a private designer, manufacturer and integrator of advanced military and commercial flight simulators and weapon systems trainers — to Rockwell Collins, Inc. (NYSE: COL). The purchase price totals $125 million in an all cash transaction and is anticipated to close by the end of the year.

“The sale of NLX presents a strong example of Arlington Capital’s core strategy: identify and invest in businesses with productivity-based business models in growth-oriented sectors, led by top executives, whose businesses can benefit by leveraging our firm’s relationships, operating experience and financial expertise” said Robert Knibb, Partner at Arlington Capital Partners.

Also commenting today was Peter Manos, Principal at Arlington Capital Partners, who noted, “We remain particularly attracted to the government services area – notably defense, aerospace, and Federal IT services. These sectors are particularly attractive because they combine strong growth, from increased outsourcing and total spending by the government, with the stability of long term contracts.”

Added Tony Syme, CEO and co-founder of NLX, “Our company has enjoyed a strong, positive working relationship with the entire team at Arlington Capital Partners. Key milestones we have achieved together are: new contract wins, including Flight School XXI — a program upgrading the Army’s entire aviation training, multiple new full flight Black Hawk simulators for the Army, trainers for the Army’s Stryker light armored vehicle, and maintenance trainers for the US Navy’s E-2C Hawkeye; new international initiatives; as well as the recruiting of additional high caliber members of the Board of Directors and key executives.

Rockwell Collins Chairman, President and CEO Clay Jones noted, “This strategic acquisition will allow Rockwell Collins to expand into areas beyond where we have traditionally participated, providing even greater value for our customers.”

About Arlington Capital Partners:

Arlington Capital Partners is a Washington, DC-based private equity fund with over $450 million of committed capital focused on middle market buyout investment opportunities in growth industries including the business services and outsourcing, aerospace/defense, IT and engineering services, media, education and training, healthcare services, and specialized manufacturing and related industries. The firm’s professionals have a unique combination of operating and private equity experience that enables Arlington to be a value-added investor. Arlington invests in companies in partnership with high quality management teams that are motivated to establish and/or advance their company‚s position as leading competitors in their field.

About NLX Corporation

NLX Corporation is a provider of full-scale flight simulators and training systems. NLX employs more than 650 people at 20 locations across North America including its headquarters in Sterling, Virginia near Washington Dulles Airport. By applying the latest technology, sound program/business management and working closely with the customer, NLX has developed a proven track record of customer satisfaction. This approach results in the delivery of on-time, cost-effective and high quality products. NLX has been named in Inc. Magazine’s annual list of America’s fastest-growing private companies for 3 consecutive years.

About Rockwell Collins

Rockwell Collins is a global leader in the design, production and support of communications and aviation electronics solutions for commercial and government customers worldwide.

Arlington Capital Partners
5425 Wisconsin Ave
Suite 200
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
(202) 337-7500
(202) 337-7525 (fax)
SOURCE: Arlington Capital Partners