Integration and Immersive Capabilities Strengthen Group Offering
Calian Group Ltd has acquired fellow Canadian company SimFront Simulation Systems with immediate effect, the company announced on 7 October.
The two companies have a 15-year history of collaborating on Canadian DND programmes, during which SimFront’s Virtual Command and Control Interface (VCCI) Tool Suite has served as the cornerstone for simulation-to-C4ISR integration, interoperability and after-action review. The suite, when combined with Calian’s MaestroEDE, will enable the strengthened enterprise to provide end-to-end military training and simulation capabilities, and to pursue new opportunities with customers seeking integration and immersive training support. SimFront integration and AR/VR/mixed reality solutions elevate Calian capabilities in this area.
SimFront customers include ground and naval forces in Canada, the UK and the Asia-Pacific region. Its simulation-to-C4ISR integration expertise and solutions help strengthen decision-making, performance and readiness of tactical commanders and staff in operational environments.
In addition to strong defence experience, SimFront is also a leader in immersive training simulations for the healthcare and oil and gas industries, and has been developing simulation software since 2013. These simulations help improve employee safety and performance against identified tasks. “We look forward to building upon the long-standing relationship we have with Calian. SimFront is committed to delivering quality solutions to our existing, joint customers and supporting the Calian expansion into the European market,” commented Chad Watson, Director of SimFront.
“Having successfully collaborated with SimFront for 15 years, I am confident that this is a solid culture fit. Our customers need an end-to-end offering in the training and simulation space, and with SimFront we will continue to over-deliver on customer expectations. This acquisition aligns strongly with all four pillars of our growth strategy – continuous improvement, customer retention, customer diversification and innovation,” added Kevin Ford, Calian’s CEO.
The definitive agreement is valued at up to C$15 million (€10.3 million). The amount paid on closing is C$9 million: earnouts of up to C$6 million will be based on achievement of a certain level of EBITDA performance over the next 24 months.
