Hunter Defense Adds On

Hunter Defense Technologies Inc., a Solon, Ohio-based maker of solutions for the military and homeland security markets, has acquired Vertigo Inc., a Lake Elsinore, Calif.-based maker of engineering solutions for the aerospace, defense and tech markets. No financial terms were disclosed. Metalmark Capital bought Hunter Defense in 2007 from Behrman Capital for $350 million.

PRESS RELEASE

Hunter Defense Technologies (HDT), a world leader in the design and development of solutions for the military and homeland security markets, announced the acquisition of Vertigo, Inc. (Vertigo). Headquartered in Lake Elsinore, California, Vertigo invents, prototypes, and produces unique engineering solutions for the Aerospace, Defense and Technology communities and is most recognized for its proprietary high pressure AirBeamTM technology.

“Vertigo’s high pressure AirBeam(TM) shelter systems strategically complement our Base-X shelter product line to significantly broaden the scope of expeditionary products that we are able to offer to both our domestic and international customers,” stated Vince Nardy, Chief Executive Officer of HDT. He continued saying, “The Vertigo acquisition is significant and we are excited to add them to the HDT family.”

The AirBeam(TM) technology utilizes a fiber-reinforced elastomeric composite capable of containing high gas pressure and resisting bending. AirBeams can be formed in a multitude of different shapes, allowing for a variety of uses.

The Vertigo AirBeam is the primary structure utilized in the U.S. Army’s Force Provider Base Camp system, due to its rapid deployment capabilities, strength, and quality. AirBeam shelters can be utilized in applications such as command centers, aviation hangars, and field medical facilities. This acquisition is paramount to HDT’s strategic growth in the expeditionary base camp market.

According to Roy Haggard, Co-founder of Vertigo, “The acquisition brings together some of the world’s most advanced engineering capabilities, technologies, and visionaries in an ever-changing rapid deployment, rapid response environment.”

Vertigo (www.vertigo.aero) was established in 1986 and was a privately held engineering firm prior to the acquisition. Founded by Aerospace entrepreneurs Glen Brown and Roy Haggard, Vertigo provides unique engineering solutions to the Aerospace, Defense and Technology communities. Vertigo holds fourteen patents and will add to HDT’s ability to develop new technologies in the future.

Hunter Defense Technologies (www.hunterdefensetechnologies.com) is a world leader in the design and development of products and solutions that consist of shelters, environmental control, power generation, chem/bio protection and ancillary vehicle support products for the military and homeland security markets. Hunter Defense Technologies’ family of brands includes Hunter Manufacturing (chem/bio protection and environmental control), Base-X (shelters), PowerSystems International (power generation and environmental control), New World Associates (engineering and product development), and Applied Research Center (chem/bio filter R&D).