Monday, August 2, 2010

Airport security tech maker Reveal Imaging bought by SAIC

By Michelle Lang

Bedford-based airport security equipment maker Reveal Imaging Technologies Inc. has agreed to be acquired by McLean, Va.-based Science Applications International Corp.

Under terms of the acquisition deal, Reveal will become part of SAIC’s Security and Transportation Technology Business Unit, which is part of the company’s Infrastructure, Energy, Health and Product Solutions Group. Reveal Imaging develops explosive detection systems (EDS) and, according to a press release today from SAIC , the Bedford firm has been certified by the Transportation Security Administration for its EDS process. The company was founded in 2002 in response to the 9/11 attacks and the U.S. government’s subsequent call for baggage-screening technology in the aviation industry. Its systems are based on dual-energy CT technology aimed at cutting size, cost and weight of the EDS systems.

SAIC noted in its news release that its buyout of Reveal Imaging will bolster its homeland security offerings, which already include passenger and cargo inspection systems employed by the military, customer, and security organizations. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Reveal Imaging told Mass High Tech earlier this year that its philosophy of using its proprietary software to make scanners work more efficiently with less hardware, creating devices that are one-third the size and cost of its competitors, is key to company growth.  The company has about $18 million in venture capital coffers, raised by investors Flybridge Capital Partners, Brown Brothers Harriman, General Catalyst and Greylock Partners.