CACI Accelerates Space-Tech Push With $2.6B ARKA Group Acquisition

CACI International Inc has sealed a definitive agreement to acquire ARKA Group L.P. from Blackstone-managed funds for $2.6 billion in an all-cash deal, marking a decisive expansion into space-based sensing and defense intelligence capabilities.

Strategic Rationale Behind the Deal

The acquisition represents CACI’s latest move to fortify its footprint in national security technology, particularly in space domain applications. ARKA brings a portfolio of space-based sensors coupled with ground-based software processing systems designed to deliver real-time actionable intelligence to military and intelligence stakeholders.

“This transaction aligns with our long-term strategy to capture emerging opportunities across the Intelligence Community, U.S. Space Force, and Department of Defense,” said John Mengucci, CACI President and Chief Executive Officer. The combined entity will enhance capacity to address complex mission requirements at scale and speed.

Transaction Details and Timeline

The all-cash transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of fiscal year 2026, pending regulatory approvals and standard closing conditions. The deal carries additional financial benefits for CACI, including a tax advantage with a present value of $225 million.

Wells Fargo served as exclusive financial advisor and provided committed financing to CACI, with Gibson Dunn offering legal counsel. J.P. Morgan Securities and Evercore advised ARKA’s stakeholders, while Simpson Thacher & Bartlett provided legal representation.

ARKA’s Heritage and Capabilities

Headquartered in Danbury, Connecticut, ARKA operates a fully integrated mission-focused portfolio spanning optical technologies, information processing, analytics, and secure communications. The company’s lineage extends back to early U.S. space program initiatives and now supports all mission domains for government and international partners.

Andreas Nonnenmacher, ARKA President and Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the cultural alignment: “Our shared mission focus and deep engineering foundation create momentum for innovation and customer value delivery.”

Market Impact and Shareholder Value

For CACI investors, the acquisition opens pathways to sustained free cash flow growth and expanded shareholder returns through the high-growth space domain. The combined capabilities position the organization to compete effectively in national security technology—an increasingly critical market segment.

CACI, a Fortune 500 company with 25,000 employees, brings two companies together with over sixty years of combined heritage serving U.S. defense and intelligence priorities. This CACI news development underscores the company’s commitment to technological differentiation in space-based sensing and intelligence acceleration.