Trimble Acquires Vianova Systems to Expand its Civil Engineering and Infrastructure Software

Vianova Systems Extends Trimble’s Constructible Model for Owners, Engineers and Contractors
Across the Design-Construct-Maintain Lifecycle of Civil Engineering and Infrastructure Projects

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 2, 2015—Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) announced today that it has acquired Vianova Systems AS, a Norwegian company specializing in Building Information Modeling (BIM) software for infrastructure design software solutions across the European region. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Vianova Systems is a pioneer in the development of software leveraging advanced BIM technology for the civil engineering market and infrastructure lifecycle management across road, rail, sea and air infrastructure design. The company offers a portfolio of solutions for civil engineers, civil contractors and project owners. These solutions include specialist tools for road, rail, utility, site, bridge and tunnel civil design, advanced geotechnical analysis and sophisticated model-based multiuser collaboration tools. In addition, the tools include civil design project tracking, design model traceability and automated design change monitoring. Vianova Systems has a strong record of delivering infrastructure management solutions for national road and rail authorities, with the goal of bridging the gaps between design, construction and maintenance.

Trimble is focused on leveraging the Constructible Model to maximize efficiencies across the Design-Construct-Maintain project lifecycle with the goal of achieving a leaner asset ownership lifecycle. The Constructible Model enables stakeholders to visualize, sequence, clash-detect, collaborate and optimize processes—significantly reducing the number of design errors and conflicts while also increasing the accuracy and quality of the work performed.

The acquisition of Vianova Systems will extend Trimble’s Connected Site® portfolio. Trimble’s Connected Site is an extensive information management solution that provides a high-level of process and workflow integration to optimize operations from the design phase through to the finished project—delivering significant improvements in planning, real-time project management and productivity throughout the construction lifecycle.

“The combination of Vianova Systems´ Building Information Modeling capabilities and Trimble’s ability to drive constructability into workflows will optimize both site and project processes. With Vianova Systems, we can now deliver solutions for the owner, engineer and contractor to more closely collaborate on civil projects,” said Roz Buick, vice president of Trimble's Civil Engineering and Construction Division. “The resulting set of solutions will enable significant efficiencies, driving greater transformation in the industry.”

“Vianova Systems has a vision of full digitization and collaboration using holistic Building Information Modeling across the design, construction and maintenance phase of public and private infrastructure,” said Idar Kirkhorn, CEO for Vianova Systems. “The addition of our solutions to Trimble’s leading portfolio of construction positioning and workflow automation solutions extends our collective ability to deliver the Constructible Model as early in the lifecycle as possible. Our existing customers will benefit from the combination as we continue to develop, sell and support our Novapoint and Quadri products.”

The acquisition of Vianova Systems includes the company´s wholly-owned operations in Norway, Sweden and Denmark, plus partly owned subsidiaries in Benelux and France. Other associated Vianova companies in Norway and internationally are not included in the acquisition. 

About Vianova Systems

Vianova Systems AS is an international pioneer and a market leader in Scandinavia within civil engineering software for designing transport infrastructure. By collaborating closely with key public and private industry organizations, the company develops technology-leading solutions that provide world-class results for the individual user, customer, partner and society. Founded on a model-based, multi-discipline software vision, Vianova Systems pioneered infrastructure design tools with its Novapoint design applications for road, rail, sea and air infrastructure design. With this philosophy, the company has also developed its BIM for infrastructure solution NovapointDCM and QuadriDCM that provide tangible lifecycle benefits for infrastructure projects. More than 15,000 engineers use Novapoint to design modern transport infrastructure, supported by Vianova Systems´ dedicated experts — with prime markets in Scandinavia and Northern Europe.

About Trimble’s Civil Engineering and Construction Division

Trimble is a leading innovator of productivity solutions for the civil engineering and construction sectors. Trimble's solutions leverage a variety of technologies, including Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), construction lasers, total stations, wireless data communications, the Internet, and application software. As part of the Trimble Connected Site strategy, these solutions provide a high-level of process and workflow integration from the design phase through to the finished project—delivering significant improvements in productivity throughout the construction lifecycle.

About Trimble

Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location—including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif.

Certain statements made in this press release are forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual events and results may differ materially from those described in this news release. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, Trimble’s ability to successfully extend its Connected Site solutions through the acquisition of Vianova Systems AS, combine Vianova BIM capabilities to optimize processes, and provide benefits to existing customersAdditional risks and uncertainties include: the risks inherent in integrating an acquisition; unanticipated expenditures, charges or assumed liabilities that may result from the acquisition; and retaining key personnel and commercial relationships. Information about potential factors which could affect Trimble's business and financial results is set forth in reports filed with the SEC, including Trimble's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and its annual report on Form 10-K. All forward looking statements are based on information available to Trimble as of the date hereof, and Trimble assumes no obligation to update such statements.

 

GTRMB

 

Contact:                     

Lea Ann McNabb

Media                                                                                                                                               

+1 408-481-7808

leaann_mcnabb@trimble.com

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Idar Kirkhorn

CEO, Vianova Systems AS

+47 97 68 65 28
idar.kirkhorn@vianova.no

 

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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

What is the date of the acquisition?

The date of the acquisition is September 2, 2015.

Who is Trimble and what does their Civil Engineering and Construction division focus on?

Trimble is a leading provider of advanced location-based solutions that maximize productivity and enhance profitability. Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location including—surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, USA.

Trimble's Civil Engineering and Construction Division is a leading innovator of productivity solutions for the civil engineer and construction contractor. Civil Engineering and Construction is best known for its construction-based solutions including surveying, site positioning, machine control solution and supporting software. These solutions leverage a variety of technologies, including Global Positioning System (GPS), construction lasers, total stations, machine control, survey solutions, wireless data communications, the Internet, and application software for real-time site management.

Software solutions are an integral part of the offering for data modeling, data analysis, data visualization, quantity computations, planning, and scheduling. Trimble is focused on connecting the engineering process more closely to the construction process using advanced BIM technologies that deliver a “constructible model”. This facilitates collaboration between stakeholders across the project life cycle and allows for precision planning, scheduling and project progress monitoring--bring projects in on time and under budget and with increased visibility and quality.

As part of the Trimble Connected Site strategy, these solutions provide a high-level of process and workflow integration from the design phase through to the finished project—delivering significant improvements in productivity throughout the engineering and construction lifecycle.

Why is the acquisition of Vianova Systems a good thing for Trimble, their dealers and customers?

Trimble is a leading innovator of productivity solutions for the construction industry. Trimble Connected Site®solutions optimize workflows on-site via real-time wireless data flow between the office and jobsite across the construction continuum. These solutions leverage the Trimble Constructible Model™ to provide a high-level of workflow integration and reporting from the design phase through to the finished project.

Trimble is focused on delivering our customers solutions that meet their needs across all phases of the project—especially large linear infrastructure and site development projects—to achieve faster project completion, reduced costs, improved quality, improved safety and reduced environmental impact.

The acquisition of Vianova Systems extends Trimble’s Connected Site® portfolio that integrates and optimizes the design, construct and maintain phases of the project lifecycle. Trimble's Connected Site is an extensive information architecture that optimizes and integrates information and operations across the construction site and the office, thereby enabling improved planning, more advanced monitoring, and significantly greater productivity.

The combination of Vianova Systems´ BIM capabilities and Trimble’s focus on the Constructible Model for optimized workflows enables us to deliver solutions for the owner, engineer and contractor to more closely collaborate on civil projects. The resulting set of solutions extends our collective ability to deliver the Constructible Model as early in the lifecycle as possible and will enable significant efficiencies to be realized, driving greater transformation in this industry.

What are the financial terms of the agreement?

The financial terms of the agreement are not disclosed.

What will the go-forward strategy be for Vianova Systems´ software?

Vianova Systems will continue to execute its current strategy and is committed to the ongoing development, support and maintenance of all Vianova products, services and customer projects. Utilizing appropriate technologies and focusing on the business needs of our customers, Vianova Systems will continue to place a high priority on developing industry-driven solutions for improving operational efficiencies, delivering superior customer service and ensuring long-term profitability.

Trimble and Vianova Systems will work to develop integrated solutions focused around the Constructible Model and optimized workflow solutions that enable the owner, engineer and contractor to more closely collaborate on civil projects.

What will be the go-forward sales strategy?

Vianova Systems dedicated direct sales organization in Norway, Sweden and Denmark and its distribution partners in Finland, Benelux and France will as a minimum continue to distribute Vianova Systems products and services. Trimble and Vianova Systems will be working together to facilitate rationalization and coordination of the Trimble and Vianova Systems channel partners, especially around the Software Solutions offerings on a market by market basis.

What is the benefit and impact to current customers of Vianova Systems software of this acquisition?

Customer success is the foundation of both Trimble’s and Vianova Systems´ approach to business. Customers will continue to receive the same high level of service and support they have come to depend upon. Working with their familiar account and support teams and the broader range of Vianova Systems professionals focused on customer care, they will find what they need to succeed from the industry’s broadest range of services and integrated technologies.

Trimble and Vianova Systems are committed to working with customers to understand their evolving business needs in order to better support their goals and to help them accomplish their objectives. Customers will also see reduced business risk due to a broader geographic reach and scale of a larger organization.

Customers using Vianova Systems´ BIM for infrastructure software and other Trimble construction solutions, will benefit from increased capabilities and efficiencies through higher levels of integration.

Will all existing Vianova Systems customer contracts be honored?

Yes. Trimble intends to honor the terms and conditions of all valid Vianova Systems contracts.

Will the same people who support my product today continue to deliver support?

Yes. Vianova Systems customers will have continued access to the same support people, systems and infrastructure. Vianova Systems is dedicated to maintaining and increasing the quality of innovation, support and service their customers have come to expect from the company. Vianova Systems customers can continue to use their existing support channels, whether online or by telephone, the support phone numbers and website links will remain the same.

The feedback from our customers speaks for itself—Vianova Systems successfully delivers on our commitment to create a superior ownership experience across all product lines. More than 95% of Vianova Systems customers renew their software support contracts with Vianova annually. Customer satisfaction rates for support have been consistently high throughout our rapid growth. Vianova Systems will continue to focus on delivering a superior ownership experience, with the goal of 100% customer satisfaction.

Do Vianova Systems and Trimble share similar business partners and customers? Will all of these relationships be maintained?

We are very excited about Vianova Systems becoming part of the Trimble organization. We see greater potential combining Trimble and Vianova Systems complementary products, and we expect that the synergies will bring new products and advanced solutions to the marketplace.

We are committed to working with, maintaining and developing the business relationships with all existing partners and customers, and utilizing our collective strengths to increase our market presence, footprint and to deliver new and exciting solutions to the market.

What will be the benefit to partners for the combined forces of Trimble and Vianova Systems?

Companies that partner with Vianova Systems´ and Trimble’s construction divisions, can expect to benefit from higher levels of solution integration in the future.

Vianova Systems partners will benefit from the presence and working relationships that can be formed with the Trimble Partner industry experts in the construction sector within their trade areas. The addition of the expanded Trimble civil engineering and construction product portfolio increases the relevance of the Vianova Systems product offering and data models that are created by the products within the Surveying and Construction communities, increasing the business opportunities for the products.

Trimble partners will benefit from the presence and working relationships that can be formed with the Vianova Systems industry experts and software specialists in the Engineering and Construction sector in their trade areas.

Key Messages

  • Vianova Systems enhances Trimble’s mission towards transforming the world’s work within the civil engineering and construction sectors
  • Vianova Systems and Trimble bring complementary solutions together for deeper integration  focused around the Constructible Model and optimized workflow solutions that enable the owner, engineer and contractor to more closely collaborate on civil projects.
  • The relationship will continue to strengthen Trimble’s position as one of the largest AEC companies in the world
  • We will continue to support/expand both Trimble and Vianova Systems solutions
  • Both Trimble and Vianova Systems customers can benefit from deeper integration and new jointly developed products

What is SITECH?

SITECH® is Trimble’s brand for its independent global distribution network serving civil and site prep contractors.  SITECH dealerships offer the most reliable and rugged construction technology systems available to the heavy civil contractor today. SITECH dealers serve the mixed fleet (users of multiple brands of heavy construction equipment) contractor and have distribution rights to Trimble’s portfolio of Civil Engineering and Construction solutions as well as some Cat® technology products. The experienced construction professionals at a contractor’s local SITECH dealership provide customer service, personalized training and technical support. Trimble has more than 105 SITECH Technology Dealerships, with around 200 locations worldwide and well over 800 employees.

Are all Vianova named companies included in the acquisition?

No, only Vianova Systems and its wholly owned operations in Norway, Sweden and Denmark, plus partly owned subsidiaries in Benelux and France are included in the acquisition. All other associated Vianova companies, such as Vianova AS, ViaNova Plan og Trafikk AS, ViaNova Systems TiPS FM AS, ViaNova Eureka AS, ViaNova Trondheim AS, ViaNova Kristiansand AS, ViaNova Stavanger AS, Vianova Systems Finland OY og Vianova Systems Vietnam Ltd are not part of the transaction.

To whom should I direct sales and services enquiries?

Vianova Systems sales enquiries should continue to be directed to your current Vianova Systems sales representative or distribution manager.

To whom should I direct technical enquiries?

Technical questions regarding Vianova Systems products should continue to be directed to your current Vianova Systems technical support representative.

Will this change service and support for Vianova Systems products?

Current service and support for Vianova Systems products will remain unchanged.

Will Vianova Systems products continue to be available?

Vianova Systems products will continue to be available through the existing channels and in time will be supplemented where appropriate by Trimble and Trimble distributor sales activities.

Any other questions should be directed to Vianova sales management.