Investment bank Harris Williams advised Aeryon Labs on its sale to FLIR Systems.

Founded in 2007 and based in Waterloo, Canada, with offices in Denver and Salt Lake City, Aeryon Labs develops unmanned aerial systems (UAS), imaging and delivery payloads and flight management software for military, public safety and critical infrastructure markets.

The transaction was led by Managing Director Chris Rogers, Director Chris Smith, Mike Rohman and Jon Behrendt of Harris Williams’ Aerospace, Defense & Government Services Group.

“Aeryon is a category creator within Group 1 UAS, the fastest growing segment within the defense UAS market,” said Rogers. “Aeryon is world-renowned for combining a deep understanding of tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission requirements with a culture of commercial technology innovation, customer collaboration and applied research and development. The Aeryon team, with the backing of Summit Partners, has built one of the most innovative defense technology platforms in the market today.”

“Future combat requirements are driving doctrinal shifts to increase focus on tactical ISR capabilities,” added Smith. “The acquisition of Aeryon by FLIR is indicative of the growing emphasis on unmanned and autonomous solutions that provide real-time intelligence at the tactical level. We truly believe that the partnership between FLIR and Aeryon will significantly benefit militaries and security forces around the world.”

Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Wilsonville, OR, FLIR makes sensor systems that enhance perception and heighten awareness, helping to save lives, improve productivity and protect the environment.