HEICO Acquires 90% of Southwest Antennas to Boost RF, Microwave Offerings
HEICO’s Electronic Technologies Group acquired 90% of Southwest Antennas for cash, with CEO Ben Culver retaining 10% and still leading the business. HEICO expects the addition of rugged RF and microwave antennas operating up to 8.5 GHz and related accessories to be earnings-accretive within one year.
1. Acquisition Details
On April 9, 2026, HEICO’s Electronic Technologies Group closed a cash deal to acquire a 90% stake in Southwest Antennas, with CEO Ben Culver retaining the remaining 10%. All existing team members will remain under Culver’s leadership, and operations continue at SWA’s Poway, California, facility.
2. Strategic Rationale
The acquisition expands HEICO’s footprint in high-performance RF and microwave antenna markets, particularly for defense and law-enforcement applications. Integrating SWA’s capabilities strengthens HEICO’s mission-critical product portfolio and customer base in contested environments.
3. Southwest Antennas Business
Founded in 2005, SWA designs rugged antennas and accessory products—including mounting solutions, low-noise amplifiers and filter modules—for frequencies up to 8.5 GHz. The company operates a 25,000 sq ft facility with more than 110 professionals focused on ground-based, mission-critical applications.
4. Financial Outlook
HEICO expects the transaction to be earnings-accretive within one year following closing. Management projects synergies from the combined product lines will enhance revenue growth in its Electronic Technologies Group segment.