Hexagon continues the expansion within machine automation

Hexagon continues the expansion within machine automation

Hexagon has entered into an agreement to acquire all outstanding shares of the
French companies D&P Systems and Topolaser System s.a.s.

D&P Systems develops and supplies multidimensional systems for measuring,
planning and machine control for excavators, graders, dozers and pavers. Similar
to the recently acquired Svensk ByggnadsGeodesi AB (SBG), D&P Systems' main
operation is software development. Topolaser's main operations are distribution
of surveying and construction equipment and integration of machine guidance
systems on the French market.

The two companies combined has a turnover of about 5 MEUR, excluding sales of
Leica Geosystems products. Sales of D&P Systems and Topolaser have increased by
more than 20 per cent annually for the last couple of years. The companies will
be fully consolidated as of 1 May 2007 and will immediately contribute to
Hexagon's earnings.

“The acquisition of the French companies D&P Systems and Topolaser is a vital
piece in Hexagon's growth strategy and commitment to global expansion within the
measurement market segment machine automation. In software development D&P
Systems is a valuable complement to SBG, a company that we acquired earlier this
year. Topolaser will broaden distribution and service in France with a similar
concept to that of Scanlaser”, says Ola Rollén, CEO and President of Hexagon AB.

The two companies combined employ 22 people today. They operate from Le Pecq
outside of Paris, Merignac outside of Bordeux and Orleans, France. Combined with
a number of corresponding businesses within Leica Geosystems, D&P Systems and
Topolaser will constitute the foundation of a machine automation business,
similar to the businesses of Scanlaser and Mikrofyn.

”We now plan for further geographical expansion within this rapidly growing
market for machine automation”, says Ola Rollén.

In recent years the world market for machine automation has grown at a rate of
about 25 per cent per annum and can today be estimated to about 5 500 MSEK.
Market growth is driven particularly by the need for increased efficiency of
infrastructure machines in the construction, agricultural and mining industries
across the world. 

For further information please contact:
Ola Rollén, CEO and President, Hexagon AB, +46 8 601 26 20
Sara Kraft, IR Manager, Hexagon AB, +46 8 601 26 27, ir@hexagon.se


Hexagon AB is a global technology group with strong market positions within
measurement technologies, polymers and key components. Hexagon's vision is to be
number one or number two in each strategic business area. The group has about 8
200 employees in 30 countries and net sales of about 13 500 MSEK.