Northrop Grumman 2010 Annual Report Download - page 11

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
PART I
Item 1. Business
HISTORY AND ORGANIZATION
History
Northrop Grumman Corporation (herein referred to as “Northrop Grumman”, the “company”, “we”, “us”, or
“our”) is an integrated enterprise consisting of businesses that address the global security spectrum, from undersea
to outer space and into cyberspace. The companies that are part of today’s Northrop Grumman have achieved
historic accomplishments, from transporting Charles Lindbergh across the Atlantic to carrying astronauts to the
moon’s surface and back.
The company was originally formed as Northrop Corporation in California in 1939 and was reincorporated in
Delaware in 1985. From 1994 through 2002, we entered a period of significant expansion through acquisitions
of other businesses, most notably:
쐍In 1994, Northrop Corporation acquired Grumman Corporation (Grumman) and was renamed Northrop
Grumman Corporation. Grumman was a premier military aircraft systems integrator and builder of the Lunar
Module that first delivered men to the surface of the moon.
쐍In 1996, we acquired the defense and electronics businesses of Westinghouse Electric Corporation, a world
leader in the development and production of sophisticated radar and other electronic systems for the nation’s
defense, civil aviation, and other international and domestic applications.
쐍In 2001, we acquired Litton Industries (Litton), a global electronics and information technology enterprise,
and one of the nation’s leading full-service design, engineering, construction, and life cycle supporters of
major surface ships for the United States (U.S.) Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and international navies.
쐍Also in 2001, we acquired Newport News Shipbuilding (Newport News). Newport News is the nation’s sole
designer, builder and refueler of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and one of only two companies designing
and building nuclear-powered submarines.
쐍In 2002, we acquired TRW Inc. (TRW), a leading developer of military and civil space systems and satellite
payloads, as well as a leading global integrator of complex, mission-enabling systems and services.
Since 2002, other notable acquisitions include Integic Corporation (2005), an information technology provider
specializing in enterprise health and business process management solutions and Essex Corporation (2007), a
signal processing product and services provider to U.S. intelligence and defense customers. In addition, we
divested our Advisory Services Division, TASC, Inc., in 2009. See Business Acquisitions and Business
Dispositions in Part II. Item 7.
These and other transactions have shaped us into our present position as a premier provider of technologically
advanced, innovative products, services and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information and services and
shipbuilding. As prime contractor, principal subcontractor, partner, or preferred supplier, we participate in many
high-priority defense and commercial technology programs in the U.S. and abroad. We conduct most of our
business with the U.S. Government, principally the Department of Defense (DoD). We also conduct business
with local, state, and foreign governments, and domestic and international commercial customers. For a
discussion of risks associated with our DoD and foreign operations, see Risk Factors in Part I, Item 1A.
Organization
From time to time, we acquire or dispose of businesses, and realign contracts, programs or business areas among
and within our operating segments that possess similar customers, expertise, and capabilities. Internal realignments
are designed to more fully leverage existing capabilities and enhance development and delivery of products and
services. The operating results for all periods presented have been revised to reflect these changes made through
December 31, 2010.
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