Alexandria-based private equity firm DC Capital Partners has acquired Aeronautical & General Instruments Limited (AGI), a UK-based provider of integrated maritime technologies. The acquisition, announced Friday, allows AGI to operate as an independent company after being owned by Trident Maritime Systems since 2022. While financial details remain under wraps, the deal underscores a strategic bet on the future of naval and maritime technology.
AGI’s roots run deep. Formed in 2017 through the merger of two British engineering stalwarts—each with over a century of operational history—the company has been a quiet powerhouse in naval technology. Its portfolio spans command and control systems, navigation aids, rugged electronics, secure enclosures, and lighting technologies. Over the past three years, AGI has undergone a significant transformation, consolidating its legacy expertise into a unified, future-ready organization.
DC Capital Partners, known for its focus on middle-market government and engineering companies, sees AGI as a strategic fit in an era of rising global defense spending. “We are delighted to welcome AGI into the DC Capital portfolio,” said Thomas J. Campbell, founder and managing partner of DC Capital. “The AGI team shares our core values of always doing the right thing and treating people the way you want to be treated.”
Jeff Weber of DC Capital Partners emphasized AGI’s critical role in supporting allied navies. “AGI’s deep legacy, recent transformation, and future-facing ambition align strongly with our mission,” Weber said. “The company has unique capabilities that are critical to allied navies, and we will continue to invest in these capabilities to ensure the continued success of the business.”
For AGI, the acquisition represents an opportunity to accelerate growth and innovation. David Hyde, CEO of AGI, highlighted the potential for expanded investment and capability development. “This next chapter under the ownership of DC Capital Partners marks an exciting opportunity to accelerate investment, expand our capabilities, and strengthen our support to customers in the UK and internationally,” Hyde said.
The maritime and naval technology landscape is evolving rapidly, with demand for advanced, integrated systems on the rise. AGI’s expertise in command and control, navigation, and secure electronics positions it as a key player in this space. With DC Capital’s backing, the company is poised to deepen its impact—both in the UK and on the global stage.
This deal isn’t just about ownership; it’s about alignment. DC Capital’s focus on defense and engineering sectors, combined with AGI’s legacy and innovation, could spark meaningful advancements in maritime technology. The question now is how this partnership will shape the future of naval systems—and whether other firms will follow suit in investing heavily in maritime tech.