MONTREAL, Nov. 6, 2017 /CNW/ - Novacap, one of Canada's leading private equity firms, today announced that it has made a strategic investment in Leading Edge Geomatics ("Leading Edge"), a New Brunswick-based provider of aerial survey and geomatics services and solutions. Novacap's investment will further accelerate growth through expansion into new markets, drive strategic acquisitions and continue investments in research and development of the company's industry leading decision-support solutions.
Based in Lincoln, New Brunswick, Leading Edge provides end-to-end aerial lidar surveying services, complete with unique data processing capabilities and industry leading decision support solutions. The company owns and operates its fleet of aircrafts for lidar data collection for end-users across various industries to better manage their assets. The company has developed its proprietary Enhanced Forestry Inventory management solution, combining lidar terrain and surface products to offer forest professionals the combination of forest metrics and terrain data that lead to an improved management strategy and efficiency in operations. Leveraging their experience and technology, the company developed its Powerline Mapping solution to support utility companies in better managing hazardous vegetation for thousands of kilometers of powerlines throughout North America.
"Novacap is excited to join forces with Leading Edge and continue investing in people and products, and will support the company in finding new market opportunities to bring the business to the next level," said Yong Kwon, Partner at Novacap. "Over the last decade, Leading Edge has delivered best-in-class aerial lidar services and industry leading solutions to the forestry, utility and other sectors and we look forward to partnering with the company to help execute an aggressive growth plan and truly bring the business to new heights."
Bruce Hogan, Bill Kidman and Will Lowry, Leading Edge's founders will continue to operate the business and maintain a significant interest in the company's ownership.
"We see tremendous growth opportunities in the market for Leading Edge and know we have picked a strong partner with deep operational expertise to help us deliver on this potential," said Bruce Hogan, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder. "We couldn't be more excited about the future for the business and what this means for New Brunswick and our key stakeholders."
The transaction is being financed through the NOVACAP TMT IV Fund, which specializes in partnering with exceptional companies that have high growth potential in the technology, media and telecommunications sectors. Leading Edge was advised by Confederation M&A, an Atlantic Canada-based boutique M&A advisory firm.
ABOUT NOVACAP
Founded in 1981, Novacap is a leading Canadian private equity firm with $2.26 billion of assets under management. The Firm has raised over $2.6 billion in capital since its inception. Novacap's unique investment approach, based on deep operational expertise and an active partnership with entrepreneurs, has helped accelerate growth and create long-term value for its numerous investee companies. With an experienced management team and substantial financial resources, Novacap is well positioned to continue building world-class companies. For more information, please visit www.novacap.ca.
ABOUT LEADING EDGE GEOMATICS
Founded in 2008, Leading Edge Geomatics is an industry leader in providing aerial survey and geomatics services across North America. The company was founded by three principals who gained extensive experience in the geomatics industry while working for the Canadian Forces on projects throughout North America and Afghanistan. Leading Edge specializes in using lidar and advanced airborne imagery to help clients in the forestry and utility sector produce maps, collect data and better manage their assets.
SOURCE Novacap Management Inc.
Yong Kwon, Partner, Novacap, [email protected], (416) 536-2222 (ext. 322)
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