Trimble Acquires Terralite Assets From Novariant to Expand Its Positioning Technology Portfolio

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Oct 08, 2010, 03:25 ET

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Trimble (Nasdaq: TRMB) announced today it has acquired the Terralite assets from Novariant to expand its portfolio of positioning solutions. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The Terralite XPS technology is a scalable infrastructure that generates signals for real-time positioning to augment existing Global Positioning System (GPS) coverage. The technology uses a network of ground-based transmitter stations to broadcast a proprietary signal to one or more mobile GPS+XPS receivers. Using Terralites allow operators of GPS-enabled machines, such as drills, bulldozers, shovels and haul trucks, to receive continuous real-time positioning information in locations where conventional GPS satellite signals may be obstructed or unavailable.

"The Terralite asset acquisition expands Trimble's technology portfolio and can enable us to offer an even broader range of positioning solutions," said Bryn Fosburgh, vice president of Trimble. "The solution can improve the efficiency and productivity of surface mining and other high-value site operations challenged by limited or no GPS coverage."

GPS is a proven utility for determining positioning on the Earth's surface. However, in certain cases it requires augmentation in areas with obstructed views of the sky, such as heavily forested areas, near high walls in open pit mines, and areas with overhead obstructions such as bridges and cranes. A variety of technologies have been implemented to augment GPS, including the development of receivers that track GPS along with additional GNSS signals, and the use of optical technology, inertial systems, cellular network assisted GPS, LAN-based positioning, laser augmented GPS and others.

Operations such as open pit mining can enhance the continuity, efficiency and productivity of GPS applications by deploying the Terralite technology to have direct control of positioning coverage in their area.

The Terralite business will be reported as part of the Engineering and Construction segment.

About Trimble

Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location—including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif.

For more information, visit Trimble's Web site at: www.trimble.com.

Certain statements made in this press release are forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual events and results may differ materially from those described in this news release. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, Trimble's ability to expand its technology portfolio and offer a broader range of positioning solutions through the addition of the Terralite XPS technology. Additional risks and uncertainties include: the risks inherent in integrating an acquisition; unanticipated expenditures, charges or assumed liabilities that may result from the acquisition; and retaining key personnel and commercial relationships. More information about potential factors which could affect Trimble's business and financial results is set forth in reports filed with the SEC, including Trimble's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and its annual report on Form 10-K. All forward looking statements are based on information available to Trimble as of the date hereof, and Trimble assumes no obligation to update such statements.

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SOURCE Trimble