ATL Partners Completes Sale of Geost to Rocket Lab, Advancing Trident Solutions as Defense Electronics Platform

ATL Partners has completed the sale of Geost to Rocket Lab, marking the transition of the LightRidge Solutions portfolio to a new Trident Solutions defense electronics platform. Geost provides electro-optical and infrared sensing systems for critical national security space missions. ATL supported Geost's growth and expansion under its ownership and remains focused on investing in defense electronics, national security space, and advanced airborne systems.

ATL Partners, a sector-focused private equity firm, has completed the sale of Geost, LLC, a subsidiary of its portfolio company LightRidge Solutions, to Rocket Lab USA, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB). This transaction marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the LightRidge Solutions portfolio, which includes Trident Systems and Ophir Corporation, transitioning them into a new Trident Solutions defense electronics platform.

Geost specializes in providing electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensing systems for critical national security space missions. Under ATL’s ownership, Geost expanded its product portfolio, invested in engineering and manufacturing scale, and became a trusted partner for government and commercial customers working on urgent space and defense challenges.

Mike Kramer, Partner at ATL, commented on the transaction, stating, "Demand for Geost’s specialized optical sensor solutions and purpose-built payloads over the past several years has been remarkable. We’re proud to have supported the company in expanding its technical capabilities, deepening customer relationships, and building a strong foundation for long-term success. ATL remains focused on the rapidly evolving needs of our national security space and defense customers and is investing in expanding and scaling capabilities in mission critical defense electronics, national security space, and advanced airborne systems at Trident Solutions."

Bill Gattle, General Manager of Geost and CEO of LightRidge Solutions, added, "ATL has been a key partner in helping us grow, innovate, and deliver for our customers. This transaction is the result of their support and the hard work, talent, and innovation of the Geost team. We’re proud of what they’ve accomplished and excited for their future."

Following the sale, Trident Solutions will continue the day-to-day operations of its subsidiaries, Trident Systems and Ophir Corporation. Strategic announcements for the Trident Solutions platform will be shared under the platform’s Trident brand at www.tridsys.com.

This transaction finalizes a multi-year investment and successful exit for ATL, which acquired Geost in 2021. Baird served as financial advisor and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP served as legal counsel to LightRidge.

References:
[1] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/RKLB/atl-partners-completes-sale-of-geost-to-rocket-lab-and-advances-7gjuch1kk7t3.html
[2] https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250811168568/en/ATL-Partners-Completes-Sale-of-Geost-to-Rocket-Lab-and-Advances-Trident-Solutions-as-a-Defense-Electronics-Platform