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QinetiQ Acquires Government Cybersecurity Consultancy Advantus Federal

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QinetiQ US, a defense technology company, has purchased cyber, data and space solutions provider Avantus Federal from private equity firm NewSpring Holdings for an enterprise value of $590 million.

This is technology M&A deal number 709 that MSSP Alert and sister site ChannelE2E have covered so far in 2022.

QinetiQ US, founded in 1956, is based in Waltham, Massachusetts. The company has 1,261 employees listed on LinkedIn. QinetiQ US areas of expertise include technology development and engineering research for the defense, security and commercial sectors.

Avantus, founded in 2004, is based in McLean, Virginia. The company has 588 employees listed on LinkedIn. Avantus' areas of expertise include cyber technologies and operations services.

NewSpring, founded in 1999, is based in Radnor, Pennsylvania. The company has 102 employees listed on LinkedIn. NewSpring's areas of expertise include private equity and acquisition financing.

What the Aventus Acquisition Means for QinetiQ US

QinetiQ US and Avantus will create a "large, full solutions U.S. defense contractor business well-positioned within high growth and durable market areas," the companies stated. In doing so, Avantus enhances QinetiQ US's position in the U.S. defense and intelligence market.

In addition, Avantus advances the QinetiQ US growth strategy of "building a disruptive mid-tier defense and intelligence company," QinetiQ US CEO Shawn N. Purvis stated. It also bolsters the go-to-market strategy for both companies.

A Closer Look at Avantus and QinetiQ US

Avantus provides customizable cyber technologies and operations services, including:

  • Computer network exploitation support
  • Penetration testing
  • Vulnerability research and exploitation support
  • Red team support
  • Cyber defense capabilities technology

Furthermore, Avantus builds cyber defense products for multiple platforms. It also has established partnerships with ServiceNow, Salesforce, Tableau and BluVector.

QinetiQ US is the U.S. division of QinetiQ Group, a global defense and security company that supports defense, security and civil customers from around the world. The company offers services and products to the U.S. Department of Defense and national security agencies. It does not currently provide a partner program for MSSPs and MSPs but may look to offer one in the future.

Dan Kobialka

Dan Kobialka is senior contributing editor, MSSP Alert and ChannelE2E. He covers IT security, IT service provider business strategies and partner programs. Dan holds a M.A. in Print and Multimedia Journalism from Emerson College and a B.A. in English from Bridgewater State University. In his free time, Dan enjoys jogging, traveling, playing sports, touring breweries and watching football.