Digital Barriers spies potential with Zimiti

DIGITAL BARRIERS, the security firm which bought Yorkshire surverillance company COE last year, has made an acquistion which will give it access to new technology.

Zimiti, based in Cambridge, focuses on the development of ‘Unattended Ground Sensor’ (UGS) technology. The technology is used in a range of surveillance and protective applications across both the defence and security sectors, and are particularly effective in remote or hostile locations.

Digital Barriers is to acquire Zimiti, which was founded in 2000, on a cash-free, debt-free basis.

Initial consideration of £1.5m in cash, to be satisfied from the company’s existing cash reserves, is payable to the vendors of Zimiti on completion of the acquisition. 

Digital Barriers said it believed the international market opportunity for Zimiti’s UGS technology was “potentially significant” and could be used in its markets including defence, border control, critical infrastructure, security and oil and gas.

Colin Evans, managing director of Digital Barriers, said: “Zimiti has compelling, high-quality IP with a broad range of applications for the growing Unattended Ground Sensor market.

“The Zimiti team is engaged with customers on the development of next generation UGS capabilities and we share their belief that this technology will have strong potential in both the defence and security sectors.

“This fits very well with our own strategy and we look forward to working with them to continue the development of this technology and to introduce the resulting products to customers in the UK and overseas.”

Zimiti’s latest accounts for the financial year ended February 28 reported turnover of £144,000 with loss before interest and tax of £301,000. 

Further considerations could be paid by Digital Barriers to Zimiti to a total of £10m.

Digital Barriers bought Leeds-based COE, now part of the group’s product division, in a deal valuing the company at around £3.3m, one of four acquisitions made last year.