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Airbus to acquire UK cybersecurity firm Ultra Cyber to boost European defence

Economy & businessEconomy
Key Points
  • Airbus acquires UK cybersecurity firm Ultra Cyber from Advent International to strengthen European cyber defence
  • Deal expected to finalise in second half of 2026, with Ultra Cyber based in Maidenhead and employing over 200 staff
  • Acquisition follows Airbus's 2024 purchase of German cybersecurity firm Infodas and is part of Advent's broader portfolio moves

Airbus will purchase Ultra Cyber for an undisclosed sum, with the acquisition set to close in the second half of 2026. Ultra Cyber, based in Maidenhead and employing over 200 staff, currently forms part of Advent's Cobham Ultra defence business. This expansion follows Airbus's purchase of German cybersecurity firm Infodas in 2024.

6 billion in 2021, after Cobham had been acquired by Advent a year prior. Advent's portfolio includes recent moves such as agreeing to buy Ultra Precision Control Systems from US firm Eaton last year, and Bloomberg reported earlier this month that Advent is looking to sell its Ultra Maritime business amid heightened demand from recent conflicts.

This acquisition testifies to our long-term commitment to the UK as a core home market.

Mike Schoellhorn, Chief executive of Airbus Defence and Space

By joining our expertise with Ultra Cyber's unique capabilities, we are acting as a long-term, trusted partner to the UK Ministry of Defence.

Mike Schoellhorn, Chief executive of Airbus Defence and Space

We are building the resilient, sovereign infrastructure required to help keep the UK and its allies ahead in the cyber domain.

Mike Schoellhorn, Chief executive of Airbus Defence and Space

During what has been a time of major geopolitical tension and uncertainty, we are proud that the investments made in Ultra Cyber, under Advent's ownership, have supported efforts to help protect the country and its allies from electronic warfare, and contributed to strengthening the UK's sovereign capabilities.

Shonnel Malani, Managing partner at Advent and chairman of the board at Ultra Electronics
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The Independent - UK News
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