Hexagon continues the expansion within machine automation

Hexagon has entered into an agreement to acquire all outstanding shares of the French companies D&P Systems and Topolaser System s.a.s.

D&P Systems develops and supplies multidimensional systems for measuring, planning and machine control for excavators, graders, dozers and pavers. Similar to the recently acquired Svensk ByggnadsGeodesi AB (SBG), D&P Systems’ main operation is software development. Topolaser’s main operations are distribution of surveying and construction equipment and integration of machine guidance systems on the French market.

The two companies combined has a turnover of about 5 MEUR, excluding sales of Leica Geosystems products. Sales of D&P Systems and Topolaser have increased by more than 20 per cent annually for the last couple of years. The companies will be fully consolidated as of 1 May 2007 and will immediately contribute to Hexagon’s earnings.

“The acquisition of the French companies D&P Systems and Topolaser is a vital piece in Hexagon’s growth strategy and commitment to global expansion within the measurement market segment machine automation. In software development D&P Systems is a valuable complement to SBG, a company that we acquired earlier this year. Topolaser will broaden distribution and service in France with a similar concept to that of Scanlaser”, says Ola Rollén, CEO and President of Hexagon AB.

The two companies combined employ 22 people today. They operate from Le Pecq outside of Paris, Merignac outside of Bordeux and Orleans, France. Combined with a number of corresponding businesses within Leica Geosystems, D&P Systems and Topolaser will constitute the foundation of a machine automation business, similar to the businesses of Scanlaser and Mikrofyn.

”We now plan for further geographical expansion within this rapidly growing market for machine automation”, says Ola Rollén.

In recent years the world market for machine automation has grown at a rate of about 25 per cent per annum and can today be estimated to about 5 500 MSEK. Market growth is driven particularly by the need for increased efficiency of infrastructure machines in the construction, agricultural and mining industries across the world.

For further information please contact:
Ola Rollén, CEO and President, Hexagon AB, +46 8 601 26 20
Sara Kraft, IR Manager, Hexagon AB, +46 8 601 26 27, ir@hexagon.se