Tomra acquires BBC Technologies for $48.7m
BBC Technologies, based in Hamilton, New Zealand, supplies precision grading systems for blueberries, cherries, cherry tomatoes and other small soft fruits.
Technology development
Stefan Ranstrand, CEO/president, Tomra, said the deal will complement its own fruit inspection and grading technology portfolio and offer advanced developments in digital data technology.
For example, Freshtracker is software that allows manufacturers to track the origin of their product from harvesting, processing, packaging through to point-of-sale.
All the data is replicated and stored on the website www.freshtracker.com for monitoring reports both on-site and off-site with Freshtracker Mobile.
“We admire the work done by the BBC team in developing leading technologies, market position and their long-term commitment to customers,” said Ranstrand.
Customers worldwide
“We are fully committed to continue supporting this strategy jointly with BBC’s leadership team and working together to find new ways to further enhance local presence, aftersales support and technology development."
BBC Technologies was established in 2000 and employs approximately 145 people across New Zealand, Chile, Europe and the US.
About 2,350 BBC Technologies machines have been sold worldwide. With year-end in December the company generated a 2017 EBITDA of approximately NZD 10m on total revenue of approximately NZD 36m.
Geoff Furniss, head, BBC Technologies, said the acquisition provides its customers with the platform to further enhance its technology and service offerings.
