Lockheed Martin to Acquire Industrial Defender

Lockheed Martin, the largest provider of IT services, systems integration, and training to the U.S. Government, said Wednesday that it would acquire a privately held Industrial Defender, a provider of cyber security solutions for control systems in the oil and gas, utility and chemical industries.

“Industrial Defender’s expertise in cyber security for critical infrastructure is a natural extension of our commercial cyber security business,” said Marillyn Hewson, Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO. “Their experience in addressing cyber threats to industrial control systems complements our information technology cyber security expertise and strengthens the value we deliver to our customers.”

Foxborough, Mass.-based Industrial Defender has more than 130 employees in three facilities and claims more than 400 companies in 25 countries as customers.

Industrial Defender’s solutions help critical infrastructure companies manage the availability, reliability and security of infrastructure, such as electric power grids, chemical facilities, and oil and gas pipelines.

“Lockheed Martin is a leader in cyber technology and IT security,” said Industrial Defender CEO Brian M. Ahern. “We share a common perspective on the importance of protecting global critical infrastructure from an increasingly hostile threat landscape. The combined capabilities of Industrial Defender and Lockheed Martin will enable us to offer a comprehensive suite of technology and services designed to face modern day threats and business challenges to both enterprise information and operational technologies. Joining forces is a natural fit for Industrial Defender and our growth plans.”

The terms of the agreement were not disclosed and the acquisition is expected to close within 30 days.