DANBURY – Defense contractor ARKA Group has agreed to be purchased by CACI International Inc. of Reston, Va., for $2.6 billion in an all cash transaction, according to an announcement made Monday.
CACI International, a national security firm, said that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire ARKA from funds managed by Blackstone Tactical Opportunities (Blackstone) in an all-cash transaction.
Aligned with CACI’s commitment to delivering advanced technology for national security customers, ARKA supports national security missions through its space-based sensor portfolio and ground-based software processing.
“The acquisition of ARKA represents a significant step forward in our space strategy,” said John Mengucci, CACI president and CEO. “They bring deep experience and proven performance as a best-in-class provider of national security space and defense capabilities, which has been enhanced by Blackstone’s constructive stewardship of the business during their ownership.
“With a shared heritage spanning more than 60 years, CACI and ARKA address complex mission requirements and deliver future-ready solutions at the speed and scale required to expand the limits of national security.”
ARKA, which is a solutions provider in the U.S. military and space programs, sees the acquisition as key to the company’s growth, according to President and CEO Andreas Nonnenmacher.
“I am confident that CACI will provide outstanding pathways for our employees to thrive,” Nonnenmacher said. “Our aligned mission-focused cultures and deep engineering roots create a strong foundation for future innovation and growth, and our customers will benefit right away from the expanded capabilities of the combined company.”
As a result of the transaction, CACI expects to realize a tax benefit with a present value of $225 million. CACI expects the transaction to close in the third quarter of fiscal year 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
Wells Fargo acted as exclusive financial advisor for CACI and provided committed financing for the transaction. Gibson Dunn acted as legal advisor for CACI. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Evercore acted as financial advisors for ARKA. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP acted as legal advisor for ARKA.
