Arlington Capital Partners Closes the Acquisition of iRobot Defense and Security Business, forming Endeavor Robotics
WASHINGTON, DC, April 4, 2016 – Arlington Capital Partners (“Arlington Capital”), a Washington, DC – based private equity firm, today announced it has successfully completed the acquisition of the Defense & Security business of iRobot Corporation (NASDAQ:IRBT). Going forward, the business will operate independently as Endeavor Robotics (the “Company” or “Endeavor”). Endeavor is the largest independent provider of ground-based robots to the U.S. Department of Defense, with a significant and growing global presence in the security, industrial and international defense markets.
Endeavor’s leading robotic platforms are proven in the most dangerous and hostile environments, providing warfighters and first-responders with invaluable situational awareness while improving mission effectiveness and saving lives. Its four classes of robots, the FirstLook, SUGV, PackBot and Kobra, provide a wide spectrum of capabilities for countless situations. Since inception, more than 6,000 of these robots have been delivered to customers worldwide.
Endeavor is led by CEO Sean Bielat, a former iRobot Defense & Security Executive and U.S. Marine officer, and President Tom Frost, former SVP & GM of iRobot’s Defense & Security business. Endeavor’s agile structure, accompanied by its experienced team, enables the Company to provide the highest level of innovative solutions and support to its customers now and in the future.
“We are proud to form Endeavor Robotics and honored to continue delivering robotics that protect those in harm’s way,” said Sean Bielat, CEO of Endeavor Robotics. “Our team is developing exciting new technology and we are actively reviewing acquisition opportunities that will propel our growth.”
“As an independent company dedicated to tactical robotics, Endeavor Robotics will have more flexibility to meet the needs and protect the lives of our customers serving on the frontline and in dangerous environments,” said Tom Frost, President of Endeavor Robotics. “We’ve always done our best work when we worked closely with our customers. Our new structure enables us to double down on that strategy. We believe that the future is in open architecture and collaborative solutions and we look forward to making that a reality.”
Peter Manos, a Managing Partner at Arlington Capital, said, “We are excited to begin our partnership with the Endeavor Robotics team. The former iRobot Defense & Security business has an excellent reputation and track record for cutting edge technology, industry-leading reliability and battle-tested functionality. We are actively seeking to invest in the business through organic development initiatives and potential strategic add-on acquisitions.”
Chris Stallmann, a Vice President at Arlington Capital, stated, “Providing superior technology to the largest installed base with the U.S. Department of Defense, Endeavor’s reputation is built on its gold standard product offerings and team. Arlington is excited to partner with Endeavor and invest in the Company’s mission to continue delivering best-in-class, life-saving robotic technology to its customers.”
About Arlington Capital Partners
Arlington Capital Partners is a Washington, D.C.-based private equity firm that has managed $1.5 billion of committed capital via three investment funds, focused on middle market investment opportunities in government related growth industries including: aerospace/defense, government services and technology, healthcare, and business services and software. The firm’s combination of private equity and industry-focused experience 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. www.arlingtoncap.com
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Contact:
Peter Manos and Chris Stallmann
Arlington Capital Partners
5425 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 200
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
(202) 337-7500