Following Orbital ATK acquisition, Northrop to name new unit innovation systems

Northrop Grumman said this week it will create a new sector known as Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems once it closes the acquisition of Orbital ATK.

Speaking to analysts Thursday, Kathy Warden, Northrop's president and chief operating officer, said she expects the deal to close in the first half of this year. The Federal Trade Commission is reviewing the transaction in consultation with the Pentagon, she added.

"As we prepare for integration, we are making good progress in our plans to combine our two outstanding companies after close," Warden said.

The contractor will establish a fourth sector -- innovation systems -- following the close. Blake Larson, Orbital ATK's chief operating officer, will lead the innovation systems business.

Scott Lehr, Mike Kahn and Frank Culbertson, who head Orbital ATK's flight systems, defense systems and space systems units respectively, will also remain in place, according to Warden.

"Maintaining this leadership team will ensure operational continuity and facilitate the integration of our two companies," she said.