Navico acquires Contour Innovations

Navico Holding AS, parent company of the Lowrance, Simrad and B&G brands, announced today that it has acquired Contour Innovations.

Contour Innovations is a mapping and geospatial software company that created the LakeTrax platform, which powers Navico’s Insight Genesis global map-making tool.
Navico has worked closely with the Contour Innovations team for the last two years to bring Insight Genesis to market. To date, Insight Genesis has provided innovative map-making tools to 146 countries — a number that continues to grow.

Contour Innovations is also the creator of the innovative BioBase software and service, which allows aquatic biologists, government agencies, researchers and others to implement long-term monitoring programs related to current and historical aquatic vegetation densities and other water-quality characteristics.

Navico will add BioBase to its product portfolio and introduce its advanced functionality to new and emerging markets.

“Mapping content is a strategic priority for Navico’s growth ambitions,” Navico Holding AS CEO Leif Ottosson said in a statement. “With the acquisition of Contour Innovations and its talented team, we will rapidly strengthen and expand the functionality of our Insight Genesis service. We are confident that accelerating and adding even more innovative capabilities to Insight Genesis will be a big win for our customers.”

“Closer integration through this acquisition will allow us to speed and enhance the delivery of software features and new solutions for existing and future customers,” Contour Innovations LLC CEO Matt Johnson said. “The entire Contour Innovations team is excited to join the Navico family and looks forward to elevating our mapping and software solutions to exciting new levels.”

The acquisition of Minneapolis-based Contour Innovations is the second purchase Navico has announced in the last six months. The company recently acquired Consilium’s radar business to add top-quality radar products and competencies to its Simrad Professional range of products.

Navico said it will retain Contour’s office in Minneapolis and its team, including technical development experts, aquatic biologists and outdoors enthusiasts.

By press release