Maidenhead-based cyber security firm to be sold to aerospace and defence giant Airbus

A global cyber security company which operates a ‘cyber centre of excellence’ in Maidenhead is set to be sold to aerospace and defence firm, Airbus.

Ultra Cyber Ltd specialises in the field of tactical communications and cyber security.

The firm opened a flagship facility in Foundation Park back in 2024, which operates as an engineering, integration and testing hub and is home to more than 200 staff.

Airbus has agreed a deal to purchase the company from private equity firm, Advent International.

The aerospace and defence giant said the move will reinforce its position as a ‘trusted, sovereign partner for the UK’ and strengthen its position in the European cybersecurity landscape.

Mike Schoellhorn, chief executive of Airbus Defence and Space, said: “This acquisition testifies to our long-term commitment to the UK as a core home market.

“By joining our expertise with Ultra Cyber’s unique capabilities, we are acting as a long-term, trusted partner to the UK’s Ministry of Defence.

“We are building the resilient, sovereign infrastructure required to help keep the UK and its allies ahead in the cyber domain.”

Ultra Cyber Ltd has clients around the world, including the US Department of Defense, the UK Ministry of Defence and the Canadian Department of National Defence.

The company’s £30million centre of excellence in Maidenhead also serves as a hub for cyber technology development.

It operates a ‘Cyber First’ programme which aims to identify and nurture young talent in cyber security through education and work placements.

Juliette Wilcox, president of Ultra Cyber, said: “This agreement marks an exciting next chapter for Ultra Cyber and a major step forward for the UK’s sovereign cyber capability.

“Together, we will combine complementary strengths to accelerate innovation, deepen R&D (research and development), and expand delivery of advanced cyber solutions in the UK and internationally.

“Our people, Maidenhead Centre of Excellence, and proven track record have been key to Airbus’ interest.

“We are proud of what we’ve built with Advent’s support and confident that, as part of Airbus, we will help unlock new growth, strengthen our capabilities, and deliver even greater impact for the missions we support.”

Shonnel Malani, managing partner at Advent, said the company was proud of its investment over recent years in Ultra Cyber which had helped protect the country and its allies from electronic warfare.

“With the business now well invested and positioned for long-term growth, we believe that Airbus’s significant cyber expertise and proven track record as a trusted UK sovereign provider of critical capabilities position them well to be the right owner to deliver on this potential,” Mr Malani added.

The deal is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to be completed later this year.