BKS Surveys Acquisition by Fugro Group

02 May 2008, 9:36am

BKS Surveys Limited, a leading supplier of geospatial services and products, has today announced the exciting acquisition of the company by Fugro NV.

The Fugro group, based in Holland, has more than 300 operating companies worldwide providing a range of geotechnical, survey and geoscience’s services. Over the past year the group has been strengthening its Geospatial Division through a number of acquisitions internationally. The 100% ownership of BKS reflects Fugro’s commitment to focus upon development and growth in the European geospatial market within which BKS are already a key player and will expand its range of activities in airborne data collection, data processing and GIS services.

BKS will continue to operate as a distinct company from its head office in Northern Ireland, with Lynn Neill as Managing Director. Speaking at the announcement Lynn Neill commented: ‘ This is a very positive transition for BKS and represents a significant opportunity for the company to strengthen and develop its position in the global geospatial industry. BKS currently offers a complete range of airborne data collection, mapping and GIS Services and joining the Fugro Group will enable us to expand our core services by gaining access to the family of Fugro sensors and technology opening up opportunities for new services both in UK, Ireland and in other worldwide markets in which Fugro is operating.

The acquisition marks a major milestone for BKS, which, owned by Amalgamated Metal Corporation since 1968, has been in operation for over 50 years. Over this time, BKS has seen the company’s products change, replacing the art of paper map-making to the science of Geographic Information Systems. The company, which has recently invested in a state-of-the art Intergraph Digital Camera System and is the agent for Fugro’s FLI- MAP® laser altimetry system in the UK and Ireland, now uses the power and versatility of new technology to produce information databases derived from aerial photography, satellite imagery and laser sensors.

Alan Campbell, Production Director adds, “This is an extremely exciting development for BKS. We believe that acquisition will reinforce our position as a market leader and support further expansion into the European market. BKS’s established client base in core service areas of infrastructure, environment and national mapping and our dedicated and talented workforce were major factors in bringing this acquisition together. The two companies have already worked together successfully on contracts in UK and Europe and both recognise the exciting prospects that exist for the development of a global business strategy for the Fugro Geospatial Group."

www.fugro.com

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