Lockheed Martin has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Zeta Associates, a specialist in systems for information collection, processing, and dissemination.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed but Lockheed said the move enhances its space and intelligence and surveillance and reconnaissance portfolio.

"Zeta Associates' expertise in cross-platform information collection, analysis and dissemination is an ideal complement to our national security capabilities," said Marilyn (chq) Henson, Lockheed Martin's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Adding Zeta to our diverse portfolio strengthens our ability to deliver vital ground, air and space-based intelligence in support of our customers' most essential missions."

The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of this year. Zeta Associates will then become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin in its Space Systems business area.

"Zeta Associates has built its success on innovation and customer focus, and we're pleased to be joining a company that shares those same priorities," said John Nelson, president and chief executive officer of Zeta Associates. "By joining Lockheed Martin we'll gain access to an unmatched portfolio of technology and expertise that will help us better address a broader array of our customers' critical missions."

Zeta Associates specializes in software, communications and ground systems technology for the national security sector.