Newport Beach-based SM & A;, an aerospace consulting firm, is being acquired by New York private equity firm Odyssey Investment Partners LLC for $119.6 million.
SM & A; shares were up 125% near the close of trading Friday.
SM & A;’s board of directors unanimously approved the transaction, which represented about a 160% premium on the company’s stock price at the time of the deal.
The deal still needs to be approved by the stockholders, but the company expects it to close around the end of this year or beginning of 2009.
This deal caps a contentious year for the company. Steven Myers, the founder, largest shareholder and former chief executive of SM & A;, threatened a proxy battle with the company’s board after what he deemed to be inappropriate financial management. Myers initially nominated three board members and himself to run for SM & A;’s board.
The company reached an agreement in May, replacing two directors with ones selected from a pool recommended by major shareholders, including Myers.
According to a company statement, Myers is supportive of the Odyssey deal.
Caltius Mezzanine is providing financing for the transaction.
SM & A; had a recent market cap of $100 million.
