Northrop to buy Orbital ATK for $7.8 B in cash

Interesting, Hoping its positive for EOS relationship with Northrop

"Northrop Grumman Corp. NOC, +0.50% said Monday it will purchase defense contractor Orbital ATK Inc. OA, +1.52% for $7.8 billion in cash, a deal that comes as acquisition activity in the aerospace industry ramps up. With the assumption of debt, the deal is valued at $9.2 billion. Orbital shareholders will receive $134.50 a share in cash as part of the transaction, which is expected to close during the first half of 2018. "Through our combination, customers will benefit from expanded capabilities, accelerated innovation and greater competition in critical global security domains," said Northrop Grumman Chief Executive Wes Bush, in a statement. Shares of Orbital were up 20% at $131.70 in premarket trade Monday. Northrop shares were inactive ahead of Wall Street's open. "