Ashurst advises QinetiQ Group plc on the disposal of OptaSense to Luna Innovations

QinetiQ created OptaSense in 2008 and it has become a global leader in distributed fibre optic sensing solutions, delivering decision-ready data in multiple vertical markets, including pipelines, oil and gas, border and perimeter security, transportation, and power and utilities. The decision to divest OptaSense Holdings was a strategic choice by QinetiQ to allow increased focus on its core capabilities.

This is the third M&A transaction on which Ashurst has advised QinetiQ in the last 6 months following the completion of the disposal of Boldon James at the end of June 2020 and the disposal of Commerce Decisions in November 2020.

The Ashurst team was led by corporate partner Aaron Shute with co-client relationship partner Tom Mercer and partner Braeden Donnelly also advising. They were supported by senior associate Harry Thimont, associates Jake Hadfield and Annie Ball. Partners Alexander Cox and Sharon Kim and senior associate Sara Mardell provided tax advice. Partners Steven Vaz, Ruth Buchanan and Christopher Bates, counsel Gita Shivarattan, senior associates Don McCombie and Rebecca Servian and associate Natasha Gromof also advised.