NEW YORK, N.Y., 5 April 2005. L-3 Communications announced today that it signed an agreement to acquire Sonoma Design Group. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The business will be renamed L-3 Communications Sonoma EO, Inc.
Located in Santa Rosa, Calif., Sonoma Design Group designs, develops and manufactures highly stabilized electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems for airborne and surface platforms, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The business produces ultra-performance imaging systems for the intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting needs of the U.S. intelligence and military community. Its customers include the Department of Defense, government agencies, and law enforcement organizations as well as prime contractors and middle tier defense contractors.
Sonoma Design Group provides large aperture turrets, payloads and sensors for EO/IR and laser systems. The company supplies turreted EO/IR sensors and gimbal equipment on several key programs, including the U.S. Navy's Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft, fixed and rotary wing UAVs, as well as both classified and unclassified programs. As part of L-3 Communications, Sonoma EO will continue its merchant supplier status within the industry and continue to operate as a U.S. controlled and operated division.
"Sonoma Design will enhance L-3's market penetration in the growing EO/IR sector, while continuing as a merchant supplier of very advanced stabilized products," said Frank C. Lanza, chairman and CEO of L-3 Communications. "Sonoma's high resolution imaging capabilities are very complementary with our Wescam business and will create increased opportunities for L-3 in both the military and homeland security segments."
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications is a leading provider of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, secure communications systems, aircraft modernization, training and government services and is a merchant supplier of a broad array of high technology products. Its customers include the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, selected U.S. government intelligence agencies and aerospace prime contractors. For more information, see www.L-3Com.com.
