Exclusive-Boeing, Lockheed Martin in talks to sell ULA to Sierra Space

By Joey Roulette and Mike Stone

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Boeing (NYSE:) and Lockheed Martin (NYSE:) are in talks to sell their rocket-launching joint venture United Launch Alliance to Sierra Space, two people familiar with the discussions said.

A deal to sell ULA, a major provider of launch services to the U.S. government and a top rival to Elon Musk’s SpaceX, would mark a significant shift in the U.S. space launch industry as ULA separates from two of the largest defense contractors to a smaller, privately held firm.

The potential sale comes after years of speculation about ULA’s future and failed attempts to divest the joint venture over the past decade. In 2019, Boeing and Lockheed Martin reportedly explored selling ULA but couldn’t agree on terms with potential buyers.

The negotiations could end without a deal, the sources said.

ULA referred Reuters to Boeing and Lockheed for comment. The two companies said they do not comment on market speculation. Sierra did not immediately return a request for comment.