3D Laser Mapping and GeoSLAM merge

UK laser scanning and monitoring companies 3D Laser Mapping Ltd and GeoSLAM Ltd announced a merger that will unify under one roof an extensive range of specialist personnel and expertise in the mobile mapping industry.

3D Laser Mapping, working alongside some of the world’s biggest mining companies, governments, universities, blue-chip firms and operators of highways, power lines and railways, helps its customers capture and understand their world in 3D. GeoSLAM is a global market leader in 3D hand held mobile mapping technology solutions. Their unique “go-anywhere” technology is adaptable to all environments, especially spaces that are indoor, underground or difficult to access, providing accurate 3D mobile mapping without the need for GPS.

Graham Hunter, founder of 3D Laser Mapping, said, “This merger will combine the best of the two leading organizations with strong global coverage.  They both have very different skill sets with GeoSLAM specializing in global sales, marketing and distribution, whilst 3D Laser Mapping bringing advanced R&D capabilities.  This will enable the new organization to supply next generation leading products worldwide. The contribution of CSIRO since the formation of GeoSLAM in 2012, has been significant in creating the market for handheld mobile mapping and I look forward to strengthening our relationship through this merger”.

Shareholders agreed to merge the businesses to take advantage of new world market opportunities, increased R&D capability and ensure greater market reach. Shareholders include Graham Hunter, the founder of 3D Laser Mapping and CSIRO’s Data61, Australia’s data innovation network, part of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australia’s national science agency.

Adrian Turner, CEO of CSIRO’s Data61 is equally supportive of merger: “We’re proud to have been a part of the GeoSLAM story so far and are looking forward to collaborating on its next chapter, providing data analytics and prediction capabilities to support its growth trajectory. The merger with 3D Laser Mapping will accelerate the business into the geospatial data analytics domain, which has potential to reinvent industries worldwide.”

Simultaneous, localization and mapping (SLAM) technology was developed by the CSIRO to solve the problem of mobile mapping from an unknown location.

The newly merged companies will trade as GeoSLAM Ltd, leveraging its global brand that has been developed over the past years.

David Burton, CFO of GeoSLAM, said, “We are absolutely thrilled to be merging the companies and believe that the combined resources of these businesses will help us to exceed our level of service and support to global customers and dealers. We will continue working with our customers and dealers in the same way as we do now but look forward to enhancing their experience by bringing together two innovative and ambitious organizations.’’

The new GeoSLAM has offices located in the UK, United States, Netherlands, Australia and South Africa.

Details of the group’s activities to date can be found on the websites: www.3dlasermapping.com and www.geoslam.com.