Redwire Corporation (NYSE: RDW) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Edge Autonomy, a leading provider of field-proven uncrewed airborne system (“UAS”) technology.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, Redwire will acquire Edge Autonomy for $925 million on a debt free, cash free basis and subject to customary working capital, cash and debt adjustments. The merger consideration is expected to be paid using $150 million in cash and $775 million in shares of Redwire common stock, based on the volume-weighted average trading price on the NYSE for the 30 trading days ending on January 17, 2025 of $15.07 (“30-day VWAP”). Transaction financing and closing details are as described below. Following the merger, Edge Autonomy and its subsidiaries would be wholly-owned subsidiaries of Redwire.
The acquisition is expected to transform Redwire into a global leader in multi-domain autonomous technology, broadening its portfolio of mission-critical space platforms to include combat-proven autonomous airborne platforms. Immediately upon closing, the transaction is expected to be accretive to Redwire’s revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and Free Cash Flow. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2025, Redwire, as a combined company, is forecasting full year, revenues of $535 million – $605 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $70 million – $105 million with positive Free Cash Flow, assuming the transaction had been consummated on January 1, 2025.
Formed in 2021 through the merger of UAV Factory and Jennings Aeronautics, Edge Autonomy harnesses over three decades of experience developing uncrewed and autonomous technology systems. Edge Autonomy is vertically integrated with proven capabilities, extensive mission heritage, and strong relationships with U.S. Department of Defense, Special Operations Forces, and allied governments.
Edge Autonomy’s fleet of UAS technology, including its Stalker series and Penguin series, is optimized for long endurance, long range reconnaissance missions and can be deployed quickly for time-critical operations. Executing on multiple programs of record, these field-proven capabilities are critical for the modern warfighter to collect crucial information and make informed decisions quickly and effectively.
The combination of Redwire and Edge Autonomy is expected to create a transformative, multi-domain, scaled and profitable space and defense tech company focused on the convergence of integrated autonomous, AI-enabled multi-domain operations for defense and national security. For the last 12 months ended September 30, 2024, Edge Autonomy achieved revenues of $222 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $72 million.
Redwire has strengthened and grown its position as a critical provider of defense technology by scaling its national security space business and investing in enhanced capabilities. Redwire recently added two space platforms to its technology portfolio, Thresher and Mako, designed for software defined, AI-enabled, autonomous operations in LEO, MEO, and GEO.
Additionally, Redwire is currently developing Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) spacecraft or “orbital drones” that bridge the gap between airborne and space-based systems. The addition of Edge Autonomy’s UAS technologies with these capabilities expands our coverage across multiple domains and is expected to create new integrated capabilities for our customers that leverage connectivity across space and airborne operations.
“The combination of Redwire and Edge Autonomy creates a uniquely positioned space and defense company focused on two of the fastest growing trends in defense technology,” said Peter Cannito, Chairman and CEO of Redwire. “As space and airborne platforms converge into an integrated network of autonomous, collaborative systems, Redwire will be poised to provide end-to-end solutions for multi-domain operations from the surface of the earth to the surface of the moon and beyond.”
“We are extremely excited to join forces with Redwire and merge two industry leaders in advanced multi-domain technologies,” said Steve Adlich, CEO of Edge Autonomy. “Both companies are committed to technology innovation, reliability and satisfying customer demand, and we see significant synergies within our collective capabilities that will positively impact both businesses and enable continued growth.”
