Martin Marietta Corp. - Very Rare Aviation Specimen - Specimen Stock Certificate

Specimen Stock printed by Security-Columbian United States Banknote Corporation. 

The Martin Marietta Corporation, founded in 1961 through the merger of the Glenn L. Martin Company and American-Marietta Corporation, emerged as a prominent player in the chemical, aerospace, and electronics industries. In 1995, it merged with Lockheed Corporation to form Lockheed Martin. Headquartered in Baltimore, Martin Marietta primarily focused on aerospace, particularly missiles, particularly its Titan program. American-Marietta, headquartered in Chicago, produced a diverse range of products, including paints, dyes, metallurgical products, construction materials, and more.

In 1982, Martin Marietta faced a hostile takeover bid from the Bendix Corporation, led by William Agee. Bendix acquired a significant portion of Martin Marietta’s shares, effectively gaining control of the company. However, Martin Marietta’s management seized the opportunity to sell non-core businesses and launch its own hostile takeover of Bendix, known as the Pac-Man defense strategy. Under the leadership of CEO Thomas G. Pownall, Martin Marietta emerged victorious in this intense battle. The company’s survival marked the end of this extraordinary and bitter conflict, while Bendix was acquired by Allied Corporation.