Trimble to Buy 3-D Laser Scanning Company

HAMBURG, Germany, Sept. 17 -- Trimble, a Sunnyvale, Calif.-based developer of global positioning system (GPS) technology, announced today it has signed an agreement with EDF Environnement et Developpement SA of France to acquire its subsidiary, MENSI SA, a developer of terrestrial 3-D laser scanning technology. Trimble will acquire MENSI in a cash transaction valued at approximately $7.3 million. The initial purchase price is approximately $3.9 million, with additional payments up to $3.4 million based on revenue through 2007. Closing of the transaction is subject to approval by French authorities.

The announcement was made at Intergeo 2003, a European conference on geodesy, geoinformatics and land management being held this week in Hamburg, Germany.

Laser scanning enables users to collect and use much higher amounts of 3-D data than other tools.

"MENSI is an industry leader in 3-D laser scanning technology. The company has built a strong market and technology position since its founding," said Steven W. Berglund, president and CEO of Trimble. "The acquisition gives us an immediate entry into 3-D laser scanning and data modeling applications and strengthens our existing positioning product portfolio. We expect to use the MENSI platform to develop new generations of products for the surveying, engineering and construction industries."

MENSI will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary, and Trimble said it will recognize its revenues under the company's engineering and construction business segment.

For more information, visit: www.trimble.com