#United States #Dayton #Joby Aviation #Cerberus Capital Management #Resonant Sciences

Cerberus and Joby Aviation: A Strategic Acquisition in Aerospace and Defense

Cerberus Capital Management, known as a leading global alternative investment advisor, has announced an agreement to sell Resonant Sciences, a prominent player in aerospace and defense technology, to Joby Aviation. This move strengthens the collaboration between investment and innovation within the national security sector.

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, Resonant Sciences specializes in the development of advanced radar, navigation, and communication technology. The firm has made significant strides in the defense sector, focusing on mission-critical technologies for U.S. national security. One of its key strengths has been the design and manufacturing of low-observability technologies and systems aimed at enhancing operational capabilities for advanced missions.

This sale follows Cerberus’s investment in the company back in 2023, when it sought to bolster Resonant's growth trajectory through its Supply Chain investment platform. By teaming up with J. Micah North, Co-Founder and CEO of Resonant, Cerberus has been instrumental in enabling the company to broaden its manufacturing capabilities, expand its team of skilled professionals, and transition vital technologies from the R&D stage to production-ready offerings.

Michael Palmer, a Senior Managing Director at Cerberus and Co-Head of its Supply Chain platform, praised Resonant's growth and operational enhancements achieved over the past few years. He emphasized, “Resonant has crafted a unique business model with pivotal technology for national security. As we approached this transition, it became evident that Joby was the right partner to take Resonant’s innovations to the next level.”

The acquisition is poised to enhance Joby Aviation's defense capabilities significantly. The company, better known for its electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, stands to benefit from Resonant's expertise in mission systems and advanced communication technologies. According to North, the support received from Cerberus allowed Resonant to retain its focus and agility while laying the groundwork for expansion. He expressed enthusiasm about combining forces with Joby, underscoring the blend of agility and ambition that both companies share.

With the completion of this transaction, expected in the first half of 2027, Resonant will operate under its current name as a dedicated defense business within Joby. The alignment signifies not just a merger of operations but a strategic commitment to enhancing national security through technological innovation. The acquisition comes with customary conditions, including regulatory reviews, aligning with the protocols typically observed in the aerospace and defense industry.

About Resonant Sciences

Resonant Sciences has positioned itself as a leader in defense technology, focusing on advanced radio frequency systems and other technologies critical to national security. Their offerings span various domains, including land, air, sea, and space, and feature a vertically integrated approach to engineering and manufacturing. The company is poised to continue developing capabilities that enable the U.S. and allied forces to meet the demands of modern warfare.

About Cerberus Capital Management

Cerberus has a rich history since its inception in 1992, now managing approximately $72 billion in assets. The firm’s investment strategies include credit, real estate, and private equity, focusing on strong operational improvements to drive value creation for its stakeholders.

This alignment between Cerberus, Joby Aviation, and Resonant appears to herald a new chapter in the aerospace and defense technology sector, promising innovation and operational excellence anchored in strategic investments and dedicated partnerships.