Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) announced today that it has negotiated definitive agreements with Canadian-based MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (TSX: MDA), to acquire its Information Systems and Geospatial Information Services businesses for $1.325 billion (CDN). The company expects that this acquisition will provide a higher growth and earnings profile, and be neutral to earnings per share (EPS) in fiscal year 2009 (FY09) and accretive thereafter.

With more than 1,900 employees and estimated FY09 revenues of approximately $500 million (U.S.), the MDA business ATK is acquiring is a global leader in space-based radar systems, space robotics, satellite systems, and imaging satellite ground stations and processing; with additional world-class capabilities in satellite payloads, C4ISR, and geospatial services.

The transaction, which is subject to regulatory and MDA shareholder approval, is expected to close early in the first quarter of the company's FY2009. ATK has arranged committed financing to support the proposed acquisition. However, there can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed.

This acquisition will establish ATK as a full-spectrum international space company, providing launch services, next-generation satellites, robotics, and the ground systems that will process and deliver mission critical information solutions. It will also provide an entry point for MDA's proven high-performance technology to the U.S. market, creating significant sales growth opportunities. Further, it will diversify ATK's portfolio into non-U.S. and commercial space markets, nearly doubling the company's international revenues. The transaction will also enhance ATK's existing and potential content in space exploration, Operationally Responsive Space, and C4ISR; while adding satellite ground station and geospatial imagery content.

"The welcome addition of MDA's Information Systems and Geospatial Information Services, and their talented workforce substantially grows our market position in space systems, both domestically and internationally," said Dan Murphy, ATK Chairman and CEO. "ATK has enjoyed a close working relationship with MDA for many years. Like ATK, its business model is one of low-cost innovation. Together we will make a significant contribution to the global space industry."

"We believe that this transaction provides an excellent home for our Information Systems and Geospatial Services business as it is highly complementary to ATK's business," said MDA President and CEO, Daniel Friedmann. "ATK is committed to realize the inherent value in the U.S. market of the many accomplishments of our employees."

Beginning April 1, 2008, ATK will establish a fourth business group, ATK Space Systems. Carl Marchetto, formerly Executive Vice President and General Manager of Orbital Sciences Corporation's Space Systems Group, will become President, ATK Space Systems. With operations in four Canadian Provinces and across the United States, ATK Space Systems is expected to generate FY09 sales of approximately $900 million. It will be a full-spectrum satellite and space systems business building markets in North America and around the world.

The combined value of ATK Launch Systems and the new Space Systems group will make ATK the fifth largest space systems company in North America.

Webcast Information

ATK will webcast an investor conference call hosted by Chairman and CEO Dan Murphy today at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. During the call, Mr. Murphy will provide insight into the strategic focus of the acquisition.

The call will be webcast by CCBN and can be accessed via the investor relations page on ATK's website. Information about downloading Windows Media Player software, which is required to access the webcast, will be available on the website. Charts referenced during the call will also be available on the website prior to the call.

Conference call details:

When: 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Tuesday, January 8.

Who: Dan Murphy, Chairman and CEO
John Shroyer, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Steve Wold, Vice President, Treasurer and Investor Relations

Headquartered in Edina, Minnesota, ATK is a world leader providing small satellites and large satellite sub-systems, hypersonic engines, rocket motors for spacecraft launch and orbit transfer -- programs critical to reaching new space frontiers. With approximately 17,000 employees and annual revenue in excess of $4.1 billion (USD), ATK is the world's largest producer of solid rocket motors and the prime contractor for the first stage of Ares I, NASA's next-generation launch vehicle.

MDA's Information Systems business provides space-based and ground-based systems that support the information and operational needs of government and commercial customers worldwide, and MDA's Geospatial Services business provides these same customers with satellite imagery and value-added information products.