ULSTER University spin-out Spatialest, which employs 20 people in Coleraine, has been acquired by US company Schneider Geospatial.
And plans for future growth are under way as Schneider is already actively recruiting in preparation for an expansion of the Coleraine base.
Spatialest supports the US property assessment industry creating smart data using highly visual, intuitive integrated digital platforms.
The acquisition will see Spatialest - which is transforming government operations by managing, analysing and sharing property information using the latest technologies - become part of a highly acclaimed industry-leading business within the sector.
Fast-growing Schneider Geospatial already supplies hundreds of municipal, county, state, and private entities across the US with software platforms which manage everything from property information, permits, workflow and access to local government information.
Its acquisition of Spatialest recognises the strength of the intellectual property (IP) developed by the UU spin out since its launch in 1997 and paves the way for future development and expansion at Coleraine.
Spatialest chief executive Ashley Moore said: “This is fantastic news for our team and, more widely, it is a validation of the immense technical, creative and intellectual skills available here in Northern Ireland.
“As a local man, I am biased, but I also see this as an endorsement of the growing attraction of Coleraine as an emerging base for technology businesses, not least because of the links with the University of Ulster and support from Invest NI.”
He added: “From our inception we have been firmly focused on leading the US Property Tax Assessment industry making it easier for assessors offices to manage the tax cycle and make it more understandable for citizens.
“We have built the Spatialest brand on our ability to deliver creative solutions to complex problems in new ways that are uniquely intuitive, visual and easy to use.
“We are a leading technology supplier to the US marketplace, serving millions of users across the US in major jurisdictions like Los Angeles, Seattle, Nashville and Charlotte.
“Our philosophy, track record and expertise fit perfectly with those of Schneider Geospatial and this new partnership heralds an exciting new era for all concerned.”
“Our combined experience and shared commitment to excellence will be the starting point for significant and ground-breaking advances in the sector.”
Schneider Geospatial chief executive Jeff Corns said: “Acquiring Spatialest is a significant step forward in our strategic roadmap, and together we will continue to deliver innovative solutions that empower government agencies and help citizens.”
The combined platforms of the two companies are currently used by millions of citizens across the US.
