Lockheed Acquiring Aculight

Defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corp. announced today it will acquire privately held laser maker Aculight Corp. for an undisclosed amount.

Bothell, Wash.-based Aculight, which was founded in 1993 and has 90 employees, makes laser systems for defense, aerospace and medical applications. It will become a new business unit of Lockheed Martin and will report to its Maritime Systems & Sensors business in Akron, Ohio.

"This transaction is consistent with Lockheed Martin's focus on acquiring companies with strategic capabilities that strengthen our core offerings and create potential for adjacent market expansion," said Chris Kubasik, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin's Electronic Systems business area. "Aculight's expertise in countermeasures, laser radar, and high-power directed energy will be of tangible benefit to Lockheed Martin's customers in areas such as guided munitions, airborne self-protection and advanced sensors."

The transaction, which is subject to Aculight shareholder approval and other closing conditions, is expected to close in the third quarter of 2008.

For more information, visit: www.lockheedmartin.com