UK-based technology group Cohort has strengthened its naval sector portfolio with the acquisition of EM Solutions, a leading Australian developer and producer of high-end naval satellite communication (satcom) terminals, Cohort announced on 21 November 2024.
As part of Cohort’s ambitious growth strategy, the EM Solutions acquisition will reinforce the group’s market position in Australasia.
Commenting on the acquisition, Cohort CEO Andrew Thomis said that it “aligns with our strategy to accelerate growth by making targeted acquisitions in the UK and overseas. Australia is an increasingly important strategic region, reflecting the increased security challenges in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific and the creation of the AUKUS alliance.
“EM Solutions provides access to the fast-growing satellite communications market, further broadening the group’s strong existing naval systems service offering, whilst bringing new customers and enhancing our position in the UK, NATO Europe, Asia and South America,” Thomis added. “This is our largest acquisition to date, representing Cohort’s seventh standalone business. We are looking forward to welcoming the EM Solutions team to Cohort and working together to realise the multiple growth opportunities that this transaction affords.”
By adding EM Solutions capabilities to the group’s product portfolio, Cohort will enhance its Communications and Intelligence division and diversify into the growing satcom market.
EM Solution’s leadership team, led by John Logan and Georgios Makris, will remain in place and will benefit from the research, market insights and client relationships within the Cohort network, alongside support from locally appointed non-executive directors.
The acquisition of EM Solutions follows a period of accelerated growth for Cohort, which has reported strong performances in revenue, adjusted operating profit, order intake and net funds in the 2024 financial year. Following contract wins of over GBP 120 million (EUR 144.2 million) since the start of FY2025, the group’s order book on 30 September 2024 stood at over GBP 559 million.
