CVC Capital Partners has agreed to acquire Smiths Detection for $2.2 billion, marking a major portfolio restructuring for UK-based Smiths Group. The deal positions Smiths Detection—a global leader in airport security screening technology serving 47 of the world's 50 busiest airports—under private equity ownership while enabling Smiths Group to refocus on industrial engineering.
Rep. Rob Wittman says the House and Senate are close to a compromise deal on the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Firefly Aerospace has closed a third tranche of Series C funding, valuing the company at $1.5 billion pre-money. The round is being led by existing investors AE Industrial Partners and new investor Mitsui & Co.
Bain Capital has entered the US fixed-base operator market with the acquisition of APP Jet Center from Ridgewood Infrastructure. Mark Johnstone will lead the business, which operates at five airports across the United States.
AE Industrial Partners, LP led a $75 million Series B growth equity investment in Firefly Aerospace, an emerging leader in economical launch vehicles and spacecraft. The investment will support Firefly's next stage of growth by providing capital for future Alpha flights, the Blue Ghost Lunar Lander Program, and additional launch and in-space solutions.