Australian GIS firm NGIS has been acquired by Collecte Localisation Satellites (CLS), a subsidiary of the French Space Agency and investment firm CNP.

Founded in Perth in 1993, NGIS employs 110 people across Australia, Europe and North America.

Headquartered in Toulouse, CLS was founded in 1986 and specialises in providing Earth observation and monitoring services, particularly for the environmental monitoring, maritime security and energy sectors. It employs more than 1,200 people around the world.

“Joining CLS Group is a transformative step that accelerates our mission to deliver impactful geospatial solutions at scale,” said NGIS Chief Executive Officer, Paul Farrell.

“Together, we are uniquely positioned to help global clients solve the most complex challenges, while continuing to cultivate innovation in Australia.”

The acquisition gives CLS a foothold in the Asia-Pacific and boosts its global growth strategy, while for NGIS it means tapping into CLS’ resources, global reach and space-based solutions.

“In a world facing unprecedented environmental and regulatory challenges, our responsibility is to provide our clients with concrete, reliable and measurable solutions,” said Stéphanie Limouzin, President of CLS.

“The integration of NGIS into the CLS Group marks a major strategic milestone: it strengthens our ability to support businesses and territories worldwide, by putting space and geospatial intelligence at the service of a more transparent, responsible and sustainable economy.”