Navico Acquires Contour Innovations
OutdoorHub 01.28.14
World-Leading Marine Electronics Company Expands Portfolio Thru Acquisition of Innovative Mapping and Software Development Company
Navico Holding AS, parent company to the Lowrance, Simrad and B&G brands, announces that it has acquired Contour Innovations.
Contour Innovations is a mapping and geospatial software company that created the LakeTrax platform, which powers Navico’s revolutionary Insight Genesis global map-making tool. Navico has worked closely with the Contour Innovations team for the past two years to bring Insight Genesis to market. To date, Insight Genesis has provided innovative map-making tools to 146 countries – a number that continues to grow with each passing month.
Contour Innovations is also the creator of the innovative BioBase software and service, which allows aquatic biologists, government agencies, researchers, and others to implement long-term monitoring programs related to current and historical aquatic vegetation densities and other water-quality characteristics. Navico will add BioBase to its diverse product portfolio and introduce its advanced functionality into new and emerging markets.
“Mapping content is a strategic priority for Navico’s growth ambitions,” said Leif Ottosson, president and CEO of Navico Holding AS. “With the acquisition of Contour Innovations, and its talented team, we will rapidly strengthen and expand the functionality of our Insight Genesis service. We are confident that accelerating and adding even more innovative capabilities to Insight Genesis will be a big win for our customers.”
“Closer integration through this acquisition will allow us to speed and enhance the delivery of software features and new solutions for existing and future customers, said Matt Johnson, CEO of Contour Innovations, LLC. “The entire Contour Innovations team is excited to join the Navico family and looks forward to elevating our mapping and software solutions to exciting new levels.”
The acquisition of Contour Innovations is the second purchase Navico has announced in the last six months. The company recently acquired Consilium’s radar business to add top quality radar products and competencies to its Simrad Professional range of products. With the acquisition of Contour Innovations, Navico will retain the Contour Innovations office in Minneapolis, Minn., and its talented team, including technical development experts, aquatic biologists and avid outdoors enthusiasts.
