General Dynamics announced that it has executed a definitive agreement to acquire Fidelis Security Systems, Inc., a market leader in cyber security tools that provide real-time network visibility, analysis and control.

The value of the cash transaction has not been disclosed.

Fidelis Security Systems employs approximately 70 people at locations in Waltham, Massachusetts, and Bethesda, Maryland.

The acquisition has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies. General Dynamics expects the transaction to be completed in the third quarter of 2012.

Fidelis Security Systems’ network security solutions help customers stop advanced threats and prevent data breaches by providing visibility into the complex layers of a network, exposing malicious content in real-time.

These products complement General Dynamics’ cyber operations and incident response services, allowing customers to detect, defend and react to cyber threats and network breaches.

In 2011 Gartner, Inc. recognized Fidelis Security Systems as a Visionary in its Magic Quadrant for Content-Aware Data Loss Prevention based on its completeness of vision and ability to execute, and in 2012 identified Fidelis Security Systems as an Advanced Threat Detection/Prevention market provider in their “Best Practices for Mitigating Advanced Persistent Threats” research paper.

“The acquisition of Fidelis Security Systems allows General Dynamics to continue to deliver relevant and innovative cyber security solutions that help customers maintain the edge to successfully address and respond to dynamic cyber threats,” said Lou Von Thaer, President of General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems.

“Being prepared and having the right intelligence and technologies is critical for organizations to mitigate and respond to cyber threats in real time. The combination of Fidelis Security Systems’ products and General Dynamics’ cyber services and incident response capabilities will strengthen our customers’ ability to achieve situational awareness to protect and defend their networks,” said Peter George, President and Chief Executive Officer for Fidelis Security Systems.

Fidelis Security Systems will become part of Fairfax, Virginia-based General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, a provider of end-to-end intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) solutions across all domains.