Brandt Expands Geopositioning Offerings with Acquisitions
The Brandt Group of Companies recently announced a pair of acquisitions that solidify its position as a premier geopositioning equipment supplier for all of Canada.
Effective June 7, Brandt reached an agreement regarding the material terms with Topcon Positioning Systems Inc. to acquire the assets of Ontario-based Sokkia Canada, subject to final executed agreements and approval of Topcon’s board of directors.
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Following this acquisition, which directly affects the Ontario and Quebec markets, Brandt will become the exclusive dealer for Sokkia optical survey instruments, accessories and parts for all of Canada.
“The Sokkia brand has a long, proud history in the industry and securing this experienced retail team, along with the rights to deliver these products for customers in Ontario and Quebec has been a high priority for us,” says Brandt CEO, Shaun Semple. “We are very committed growing our presence in the survey market and this addition is a big step forward for us.”
The survey-focused Sokkia brand has a 100-year history and is owned and marketed by Topcon Positioning Systems, a U.S.-based division of Japanese precision equipment manufacturer Topcon Corp. The Sokkia product lineup includes total stations, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers, data collectors, digital levels, and a full complement of field accessories.
“Partnering with Brandt to represent the Sokkia lineup in Ontario and Quebec was a natural fit for us,” adds Jamie Williamson, Topcon executive vice president and general manager of the construction and retail groups, . “We have long looked to expand our presence in this market and Brandt’s extensive dealer network and unmatched support infrastructure make this one a big win for our customers in Central Canada.”
The news closely follows Brandt’s announcement of its intent to acquire leading Ontario positioning technology vendors GeoShack and Inteq and is the latest in a growing list of acquisitions and dealer agreements made by the Regina, Saskatchewan-based company since their purchase of Nortrax in late 2019.
On June 3, Brandt announced that it reached an agreement with U.S.-based Ultara Holdings, Inc. to acquire the assets of GeoShack Canada Company and the Canadian assets of Inteq Distributors.
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“We are very excited to add this highly respected team along with these key product lines and support services for our customers in Ontario and Quebec,” says Semple. “GeoShack and Inteq have built an impressive reputation over the years and we’re looking forward working with them to build on that strong foundation as we expand our commitment to those markets.”
GeoShack is the long-time exclusive supplier for Topcon Positioning Systems equipment in Ontario, providing sales, service, and rentals of GPS, lasers, survey equipment, and more for the construction, survey, engineering, and agricultural industries. The company also delivers comprehensive machine control solutions for all OEM construction and forestry equipment brands.
“The combination of the GeoShack team and Brandt’s national infrastructure is going to be powerful for Ontario customers,” adds Scott Beathard, GeoShack president. “We’ve worked very hard to build strong relationships and a solid operation in the Ontario market over the years and we’re completely confident that Brandt will continue to grow the business and provide unmatched value for clients in that market.”
A separate agreement has been announced with Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc. that assigns Brandt distribution rights for the Quebec market and, alongside the GeoShack announcement, will make them the exclusive dealer for Topcon construction and geopositioning products for all of Canada.
Inteq Distributors is a complementary business with a Canadian distribution centre in Exeter, Ontario that sells and services an extensive selection of construction instruments, optical equipment, survey supplies and accessories.
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In combination with Brandt’s pre-existing Topcon footprint in Western and Atlantic Canada, these additions will give Brandt a comprehensive retail footprint to supply premium geopositioning equipment to Canadian construction and forestry contractors, engineering firms and survey companies.
Both acquisitions are expected to close June 26.
SOURCE – Brandt Group of Companies