McNally Capital Announces Merger of Quiet Professionals and Spathe Systems
Creating a next-generation defense technology and services platform supporting U.S. Special Operations Forces and the broader defense community
McNally Capital (“McNally”), a private equity firm specializing in aerospace & defense and industrial technology & services investments in the lower middle market, announced today the merger of its portfolio company, Quiet Professionals LLC (“Quiet Professionals”), with Spathe Systems LLC (“Spathe”). The combined platform is positioned to become the leading provider of defense technology and operational support solutions with a specialized focus on the U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) community. The unified company will operate under a new name to be announced at a later date and will be led by Andy Wilson, current CEO of Quiet Professionals, who will serve as Chief Executive Officer of the combined entity. McNally partnered with Nio Advisors, LLC in the investments of both Quiet Professionals and Spathe.
“This merger represents a significant milestone for our teams and for the SOF community we serve,” said Andy Wilson, CEO of Quiet Professionals. “By combining our strengths, talent, and proven track records, we are creating a single, integrated platform uniquely positioned to support our customers’ evolving missions with greater agility, scale, and technical excellence.”
Both companies, headquartered in Tampa, Florida, bring a shared heritage of service, innovation, and commitment to supporting the U.S. Special Operations Forces and the broader defense and national security community. Together they bring deep expertise across intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced analytics, cloud services, and defense operations support.
“We are excited to combine two exceptional organizations whose missions and cultures are deeply aligned,” said Ward McNally, Co-CEO & Managing Partner of McNally Capital. “Quiet Professionals and Spathe Systems have both built tremendous reputations as trusted partners to the U.S. government and defense community. Through this merger, we are creating a platform that unites the best of both, expanding our ability to deliver integrated, technology-enabled solutions that support the most critical national security missions.”
Founded by veterans and built around the principles of precision, discretion, and innovation, Quiet Professionals has earned recognition for its advanced intelligence, analytics, and technology solutions. Spathe Systems, also veteran-owned, has become a trusted partner in delivering integrated technology support, training, and workforce development solutions.
Dr. Mark Clifton, President of Spathe Systems, commented, “As two market leaders coming together, we’re expanding what’s possible to empower the next generation of defense professionals in support of the Special Operations Forces mission.”
As part of the merger, Dr. Mark Clifton and Aaron Herbst, Chief Executive Officer of Spathe Systems, will continue their leadership with the combined entity through roles on the company’s Board of Directors. Adam Herbst, current Chief Operating Officer of Spathe, along with other members of Spathe’s leadership team, will remain in their roles to ensure continuity across operations and customer engagements.
With more than 400 professionals supporting operations worldwide, the unified platform strengthens its ability to serve defense, intelligence, and national security customers.
Raymond James served as financial advisor to McNally Capital. Ropes & Gray LLP served as legal counsel to McNally Capital, and Venable LLP provided government contracting counsel. Evergreen Advisors Capital acted as the seller’s financial advisor, and Foley & Lardner LLP served as legal counsel to the seller.
About McNally Capital
McNally Capital is a private equity firm based in Chicago, Illinois. The firm is currently investing out of its committed buyout fund, McNally Capital Fund III, LP.
The Firm seeks thesis-driven buyout investments in the lower middle market across two primary industries: Aerospace & Defense and Industrial Technology & Services. McNally Capital seeks to apply its hands-on experience, institutional capabilities, and proprietary value creation framework to its portfolio companies to benefit management teams in their next phase of growth and build value for McNally Capital’s investors.
Ward McNally, Co-CEO & Managing Partner, founded the firm in 2008. He is a sixth-generation member of the McNally family, which proudly owned and operated Rand McNally & Company for nearly 150 years until its sale in 1997. We believe these roots provide a deep appreciation of building and scaling companies that shape industries and endure for generations.
About Quiet Professionals
Quiet Professionals LLC is a veteran-founded defense and technology company specializing in intelligence, advanced analytics, cybersecurity, and mission support for U.S. government agencies. With roots in the Special Operations Forces (SOF), Quiet Professionals provides highly specialized expertise in counter-threat intelligence, geospatial analysis, cloud integration, and secure technology and operational support to address today’s most complex national security challenges with precision and speed. For more information, visit www.quietprofessionalsllc.com.
About Spathe Systems
Spathe Systems is a mission-driven, technology-enabled business delivering advanced solutions in Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, DevSecOps, systems engineering, and mission support for clients across the defense, intelligence, and commercial sectors. For more information, visit www.spathesystems.com.
