QinetiQ selling U.S. services division

British defense technology firm QinetiQ agreed to sell its U.S. services division for up to $215 million. The former research arm of Britain's Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday the sale to U.S. engineering group The SI Organization would allow QinetiQ to focus on its core British defense and products business and on expanding in cybersecurity. QinetiQ expects the deal, which requires shareholder approval, to complete in the second quarter of 2014. (Source: Reuters, 04/22/14) Note: QinetiQ has an office at Stennis Space Center, Miss., supporting more than 50 personnel providing services to Naval Research Laboratory, Naval Oceanographic Office, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Expertise includes oceanography, acoustics, mapping and charting, the use of remote sensing in research, and scientific software development.