United Launch Alliance (ULA) Sparks Acquisition Interest from Blue Origin and Cerberus, Signaling Industry Shift, a rocket company jointly owned by Lockheed Martin and Boeing. The Wall Street Journal, relying on insider information, reported this development.
Rocketing Interest: ULA Draws Attention from Industry Giants and Private Equity Firms
United Launch Alliance, notable for producing a launch vehicle integral to Amazon.com’s Kuiper satellite internet network, has garnered attention as a potential acquisition target. Adding to the mix is business jet manufacturer Textron, signaling a diverse array of interested parties. Despite this, the report underscores the absence of a specified bidding price, casting uncertainty on the likelihood of a finalized deal.
Tory Bruno, the CEO of United Launch Alliance, previously voiced his opinion in an October interview with Bloomberg News, stating, “If I were acquiring a space business, ULA would be a prime candidate for consideration.”
Delays have beset ULA’s latest project, the Vulcan Centaur rocket, scheduled for its maiden launch carrying Astrobotic’s Peregrine lunar lander in January. Notably, Blue Origin’s BE-4 engine powers the first stage of this spacecraft.
The growing attraction of private equity firms to space companies with government contract ties is evident, particularly in a sector dominated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. CNBC’s November report highlighted that the U.S. Space Force has earmarked 21 launches for SpaceX and United Launch Alliance, with a combined value of around $2.5 billion. Boeing and Lockheed Martin’s joint venture, ULA, secured 11 missions valued at $1.3 billion.
Importantly, responses from Blue Origin, Cerberus, Textron, and Lockheed Martin are pending, as Reuters seeks clarification. Boeing, however, has opted not to comment on the matter.
Read More (Innovation – Tech Foom)
