TRAVERSE CITY — ATLAS Space Operations, a satellite communications company based in Traverse City, has announced it will be acquired by the parent company of York Space Systems, a Colorado-based defense technology firm.
The deal, announced Monday, marks what ATLAS leaders are calling a “successful exit” for the company’s founders and investors. The acquisition is subject to Federal Communications Commission approval and other customary closing conditions.
ATLAS was founded nearly a decade ago by Sean McDaniel, Mike Carey and Brad Bode.
The company has been backed by a diverse group of investors, including Traverse City’s Boomerang Catapult and Northern Michigan Angels, Michigan-based Beringea and Michigan Capital Network, and global firms like Mitsui & Co. of Tokyo and NewSpace Capital of Luxemburg.
“This acquisition is a testament to the vision, innovation, and perseverance of the entire ATLAS team,” said Casey Cowell, ATLAS chairman and principal of Boomerang Catapult. “We are proud of what we’ve built here in Traverse City and excited about this next chapter, which promises significant growth and opportunities for our community and stakeholders.”
ATLAS will continue to operate independently under its current brand as a wholly owned subsidiary of York’s parent company.
It will remain headquartered in Traverse City with a continued focus on expanding its satellite ground communications technologies and creating local jobs.
“This acquisition will mark a tremendous victory for our team, our investors, and the Traverse City community,” said ATLAS CEO Corey Geer. “It helps ensure our long-term vision becomes reality, accelerates our growth, and underscores our commitment to creating high-quality local jobs.”
York Space Systems, based in Denver, provides integrated space-based solutions for national security and commercial customers. The company’s CEO, Dirk Wallinger, said the acquisition complements York’s mission and technology.
“ATLAS’s best-in-class ground solution, commitment to security, and exceptional software capabilities are a perfect complement to York’s mission,” Wallinger said. “We’re confident this collaboration will unlock significant new opportunities and growth for both organizations.”