Trimble in TMW buy-out

Survey equipment and technology company Trimble is to acquire privately held enterprise software provider TMW Systems for US$ 335 million. The deal is expected to complete by the end of 2012.

TMW specializes in systems for the transportation and logistics (T&L) industries. Its transportation software platform serves as a central hub from which the core operations of transport organisations are managed, data is stored and analysed, and mission critical business processes are automated.

When combined TMW's enterprise software and Trimble's T&L solutions will jointly serve more than 3,000 fleets around the world.

According to Ron Konezny, general manager of Trimble's T&L Division, integrating with TMW will enable the company to develop a more comprehensive and seamless enterprise solution, enabling a continuous flow of information between customer, shipper, carrier and driver.

From TMW's point of view, the buy-out will enable the brand to expand geographically beyond its domestic market of North America.

Industry leaders have welcomed the Trimble/TMW acquisition. Fleet management solution provider Qualcomm has worked with TMW for nearly 20 years.

"We continue to have solid relationships and customer bases with all of the key TMS providers, including TMW, and believe the Trimble acquisition of TMW will not change and that TMW will continue to support the unique, integrated value we have developed through the years of working together," commented Norm Ellis, vice president of sales, services and marketing for Qualcomm Enterprise Services.