FLIR Systems, a 2018 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Winner recognized in three consecutive ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Programs to date, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Endeavor Robotic Holdings for $385 million in cash.

Endeavor Robotics was carved out by Arlington Capital in 2016 and has since become the leading independent provider of battle-tested, ground-based robotic systems and tactical unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for the United States (US) Department of Defense (DoD), allied militaries, industrial and utility customers, as well as public safety, and critical infrastructure markets.

(On the modern battlefield, Endeavor’s robots work right alongside the warfighter to extend their abilities. To see, to hear, to sense, to touch. To help them complete the mission and return safely. Courtesy of Endeavor Robotics and YouTube. Posted on Jan 23, 2019.)

Endeavor’s highly-mobile and easy to operate ground robots utilize advanced sensing and actuation in providing explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), reconnaissance, inspection, and hazardous materials (HAZMAT) support for troops, police, and industrial users at stand-off range.

FLIR has significantly expanded its unmanned systems capabilities, which includes the recent acquisition of Aeryon Labs.

Based outside Boston and formerly known as iRobot Defense & Security, Endeavor has shipped more than 7,000 UGVs to customers which have been deployed in numerous applications, including by police and SWAT teams, by first responders, and at nuclear power and industrial plants.

(See a brief lineup of Endeavor Robotics products performing callouts alongside public safety professionals, from bomb techs to SWAT operators, who use our robots to protect life and property. Courtesy of Endeavor Robotics and YouTube. Posted on Nov 18, 2016.)

Endeavor is one of the largest UGV providers to the US DoD, and a key supplier of unmanned systems for the accelerating modernization of global military and law enforcement operational assets.

Having recently been awarded the US Army’s Man Transportable Robotic System Increment II (MTRS Inc II) contract, Endeavor is a major participant in several programmatic opportunities with the US DoD and its ally militaries worldwide.

“The acquisition of Endeavor Robotics, coupled with previous acquisitions of Aeryon Labs and Prox Dynamics, has positioned FLIR as a leading unmanned solutions provider and advances the strategy we detailed at our Investor Day last year,” explained Jim Cannon, President and CEO of FLIR Systems.

“This acquisition aligns with our evolution from sensors to intelligent sensing and ultimately solutions that save lives and livelihoods.”

“Endeavor’s momentum with the U.S. DoD and other global defense and police forces provides us significant opportunity to participate in long-term franchise programs and will help us create growth for the company.”

The company’s family of UGVs covers a broad spectrum of robot weight classes, from the five-pound throwable FirstLook^® reconnaissance robot to the 500-pound Kobra^™ heavy-lift robot, and all models are controllable under one common command and control system.

Furthermore, Endeavor’s modular design approach allows for varying payloads and sensor systems to meet the needs of each customer, including imaging and reconnaissance, vehicle and room inspection, bomb disposal, hazardous materials detection and disposal, radiation monitoring, and route clearance.

“Joining forces with FLIR Systems will allow Endeavor to take its life-saving technology to the next level, so we can better serve the warfighter, the police officer, and the first responder who use our robots on the frontlines every day,” said Sean Bielat, CEO of Endeavor.

“We’re excited to be part of a company that sees its strategic growth in unmanned systems and will invest in our products, platforms and people.”

“It is a tremendous fit and we look forward to the mission ahead.”

FLIR Systems Takes Silver in the 2018 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program

• FLIR Systems

• Silver ‘ASTORS’ Award Winner
• FLIR Saros Dome Camera
• Best Perimeter Protection Solution
• FLIR Systems is also a 2017 ‘ASTORS Award Winner

The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is specifically designed to honor distinguished government and vendor solutions that deliver enhanced value, benefit and intelligence to end users in a variety of government, homeland security and public safety vertical markets.

Over 130 distinguished guests representing National, State and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Firms, gathered from across North America, Europe and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields which included:

• The Department of Homeland Security
• The Federal Protective Service (FPS)
• Argonne National Laboratory
• The Department of Homeland Security
• The Department of Justice
• The Security Exchange Commission Office of Personnel Management
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Viasat, Hanwha Techwin, Lenel, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, Verint, Canon U.S.A., BriefCam, Pivot3, Milestone Systems, Allied Universal, Ameristar Perimeter Security and More!

The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program highlighting the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition, and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.

The 2018 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program was Proudly Sponsored by ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, Desktop Alert, and Royal Holdings Technologies.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.

Comprehensive List of Categories Include:

Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?

Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

2018 Champions Edition

See the 2018 ‘ASTORS’ Champions Edition – ‘Best Products of 2018 ‘ Year in Review’ for in-depth coverage of the outstanding products and services of firms receiving American Security Today’s 2018‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards.’

Nominations for the AST 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program will officially open as of January 1st, 2019 at americansecuritytoday.com.

Enter Early to Maximize Media Coverage of your Products and Services at Kickoff, and Get the Recognition Your Organization Deserves!

And be sure to Register Early for the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon at ISC East 2019 to ensure your place at this limited- space event!

2018 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Luncheon at ISC East

Why the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program?

American Security Today’s comprehensive Annual Homeland Security Awards Program is organized to recognize the most distinguished vendors of physical, IT, port security, law enforcement, and first responders, in acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to ‘Keep our Nation Secure, One City at a Time.’

Why American Security Today?

American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 70,000 readers at the Federal, State and local levels of government as well as firms allied to government.

The old traditional security marketplace has been covered by a host of security publications that have changed little over many years.

American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that provides our readers with solutions to their challenges.

Our Editorial staff provides a full plate of topics for our AST monthly digital editions, AST Website and AST Daily News Alerts.

The editorial calendar and AST’s high drawing website features 23 different Technology and Marketing Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities and Emergency Response among others.

These sectors are part of the new integration, where these major applications communicate with one another in a variety of solutions to protect our cities and critical infrastructure.

AST has Expanded readership into vital Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other Potential targets of terrorism.

Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – enticing targets for extremist or lone wolf attacks due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.

Upon closing of the acquisition, which is expected in the first quarter of 2019, Endeavor will become part of the FLIR Government and Defense Business Unit’s Unmanned Systems and Integrated Solutions division.

The transaction is expected to be $0.03 dilutive to FLIR Systems’ 2019 adjusted earnings per share due to borrowing costs associated with funding the transaction, and accretive thereafter.

FLIR Systems’ management will discuss this strategic acquisition during its 2018 Q4 earnings call scheduled for February 13, at 9 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.