Trimble enters agreement to acquire Ashtech

2122 Trimble has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire privately-held 2792 Ashtech headquartered in Carquefou, France, and its affiliates.

The acquisition is expected to expand Trimble's 2373 Spectra Precision portfolio of survey solutions and allow the company to better address emerging markets worldwide.

"With the acquisition of Ashtech, survey and construction professionals using Spectra Precision’s range of surveying solutions should be able to enjoy an even more comprehensive set of GNSS [Global Navigation Satellite System] instruments to meet their daily job requirements," said Joe Denniston, vice president of Trimble's Spectra Precision Business.

"Combining Ashtech's wide portfolio of GNSS products with Spectra Precision's global distribution network can provide surveyors exciting new choices for optimal efficiency."

Francois Erceau, vice president and general manager of Ashtech, said: "Trimble's acquisition of Ashtech is an ideal fit for both organisations. Our innovative GNSS portfolio and expertise complements Spectra Precision’s powerful brand and global reach."

The operating results of the acquired business will be reported within Trimble's Engineering and Construction segment.

Ashtech is said to be an industry innovator and has been developing GNSS technology for more than 25 years.

It created BLADE technology, a method for using multiple GNSS constellations for high-accuracy positioning.

It also introduced the MobileMapper series of products for GIS and mapping as well as the ProFlex 500 and ProMark series, including the ProMark 500, ProMark200 and ProMark100, a GNSS land survey product line currently on the market.