AeroVironment to acquire Telerob to bolster ground robotics expertise

AeroVironment said today it has agreed to acquire German company Telerob Gesellschaft für Fernhantierungstechnik, which specializes in ground robotics, for $45.4 million in cash and will pay off $9.4 million of Telerob's debt.

Telerob's shareholders could also earn $7.3 million more over three years if the company achieves specific milestones, according to AeroVironment.

"Founded in 1994, Telerob offers one of the industry's most advanced and comprehensive turn-key unmanned ground robotics solutions, including the telemax and tEODor EVO family of UGVs, fully equipped transport vehicles and training, repair and support services," AeroVironment said. "Telerob's cutting-edge solutions safely and effectively perform a variety of dangerous missions, including explosive ordinance disposal (EOD), hazardous materials handling (HAZMAT) and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threat assessment."

Telerob, AeroVironment added, has customers in 45 countries and its U.S. office in Erie, PA. Under the terms of the deal, Telerob would operate as a wholly owned subsidiary. AeroVironment said it plans to retain the company's entire team.

AeroVironment also said it recently partnered with Telerob on a proposal submitted to the Air Force for its EOD robotic system program.

"AeroVironment plans to pursue additional, significant domestic UGV opportunities with the United States Navy, Marine Corps, Air National Guard and numerous police forces," the company added. "Specific international opportunities include UGVs for security at airports in a Middle Eastern allied nation and multiple UAS programs with the German Federal Ministry of Defense, which Telerob's local presence supports."

The deal is expected to close in the spring.