Northrop Grumman Corporation, a leading global security company, and Orbital ATK, a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, have entered into a definitive agreement under which Northrop Grumman will acquire Orbital ATK for approximately US$7.8bn in cash, plus the assumption of US$1.4bn in net debt.

Orbital ATK shareholders will receive all-cash consideration of US$134.50 per share.

The agreement has been approved unanimously by the Boards of Directors of both companies. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2018 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory and Orbital ATK shareholder approval.