Drone Revolution Takes Flight with Bold Merger Deal

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Wednesday, September 3, 2025

From battlefield surveillance to agricultural monitoring and infrastructure inspections, drones are quickly becoming a cornerstone technology reshaping industries across the globe. Fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence and data science, the drone services sector is projected to expand dramatically as governments and corporations embrace unmanned aerial systems for efficiency, safety, and cost savings.

Shares of BT Brands, Inc. (Nasdaq: BTBD) are soaring Wednesday, up 63.2% to $3.02, after the company announced a definitive merger agreement with Aero Velocity Inc., a drone solutions and technology company. The all-stock deal will see Aero Velocity become a wholly owned subsidiary of BT Brands, with the combined company pivoting squarely toward advanced UAV technologies and AI-powered services.

Under the agreement, Aero Velocity shareholders are expected to own about 89% of the combined company, while BT Brands shareholders will hold roughly 11%, excluding warrants and certain adjustments. The new entity will take on the Aero Velocity name and continue trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Closing is expected by late 2025 or early 2026, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals.

Management emphasized the transformational nature of the deal. Aero Velocity CEO Mark Hastings highlighted that UAV technology is still in its infancy and ripe for expansion across safety, efficiency, and sustainability applications. “We are eager to push the boundaries of what drones can contribute,” Hastings said, adding that the merger offers a platform for growth and scale.

BT Brands CEO Gary Copperud echoed the enthusiasm, noting that after exploring strategic options, the Aero Velocity transaction stood out as the most compelling way to unlock shareholder value. “Aero Velocity is well positioned in the rapidly growing drone services market, providing incredible value to its government agency and commercial clients,” he said.

Aero Velocity’s business model includes Drones-as-a-Service (DaaS) offerings such as advanced aerial mapping, industrial inspections, and infrastructure cleaning. Its expertise spans precision agriculture, forestry management, defense and security, and emergency response. The company also plans to expand into contract drone manufacturing, rounding out a comprehensive portfolio of UAV technologies.

The merger calls for Aero Velocity shareholders to make an equity investment of $3–5 million in the combined company, further bolstering its financial footing as it accelerates product development and market penetration.

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