Arlington Capital Partners has entered into an agreement to acquire Eptec Defence, a specialist in preservation and remediation services for naval vessels supporting the Royal Australian Navy and allied fleets. The transaction, announced March 23, 2026, is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
Sydney-headquartered Eptec Defence operates across key Australian naval hubs and plays a critical role in sustaining and extending the life of defense vessels. The company provides preservation and repair services for both the exterior and interior of ships, supporting maintenance cycles and new build programs. With more than 350 specialized employees, Eptec has established itself as a key subcontractor to original equipment manufacturers and defense primes.
As part of the transaction, Arlington has appointed Steve Zogas as CEO. Zogas brings more than a decade of experience in the U.S. naval ship repair and maintenance industry, including prior leadership as CFO of Vigor Marine. Eptec Defence’s existing management team will continue to oversee day-to-day operations.
Arlington indicated that the acquisition aligns with increasing global demand for naval maintenance and preservation services, driven by expanding fleets and rising operational requirements. The firm also highlighted the strategic importance of Australia and the broader Pacific region, particularly as defense collaboration increases among allied nations.
The deal positions Eptec as a potential platform for building a global outsourced naval services business, leveraging Arlington’s experience in scaling defense-focused companies.
KEY QUOTES:
“Access to specialized preservation services in strategic geographies will be critical to improving naval readiness. With demand for such services increasing due to growing fleet sizes and higher operational tempo, we believe Eptec, paired with Arlington’s deep expertise building naval and defense businesses, is well-positioned to meet this challenge and reinforce its position as the ‘gold standard’ in the industry.”
Peter Manos, Managing Partner, Arlington Capital Partners
“I am incredibly impressed by Eptec’s scale, operational expertise, high-performing workforce and strong relationships with the leading global shipbuilders and repair companies that support Australia’s defense capability. I am excited to partner with Arlington and the Company’s management team to invest behind Eptec’s core competencies, infuse additional technology and global best practices into the preservation process and ultimately deliver greater value to our customers and career growth opportunities for our employees.”
Steve Zogas, Incoming CEO, Eptec Defence
“As evidenced by AUKUS, the greater connectivity between Australia and other navies creates a significant opportunity for Eptec to become a trusted preservation provider to potential customers who may operate in the Pacific in the coming years. We are excited to create a global outsourced naval services platform, and a partnership with Eptec is the perfect place to start.”
Ben Ramundo, Managing Director, Arlington Capital Partners
