Hexagon to acquire Aero Photo Europe Investigation (APEI) to enhance its aerial mapping capabilities in Europe

Rhea-AI Summary

Hexagon AB has announced the acquisition of APEI, a French aerial mapping company, to strengthen its geospatial data capabilities in Europe. APEI operates a private aircraft fleet for aerial data collection in France, neighboring European countries, and Africa, and has been a long-term Hexagon partner. The acquisition will support growing demand for geospatial content, particularly in France's large mapping market. APEI, with approximately 10 employees, will be integrated into Hexagon's Geosystems division and is expected to generate revenues of around 3 MEUR in 2025 with margins aligned with Hexagon's average levels. The transaction is expected to close by the end of Q2 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.

Positive

• Strategic expansion into France's large geospatial data market with government opportunities
• APEI's existing integration with Hexagon's Content Program and HxDR platform ensures smooth business combination
• Acquisition provides access to additional European and African government programs
• APEI's margins are aligned with Hexagon's average levels

Negative

• Relatively small revenue contribution of only 3 MEUR expected for 2025
• Small workforce of only 10 employees may limit immediate scalability
• Transaction subject to regulatory approvals which could delay completion

Insights

M&A and Geospatial Technology Analyst

Hexagon's acquisition of APEI strengthens their aerial mapping position in France's government-driven market, securing specialized assets with minimal integration risk.

Hexagon's strategic acquisition of APEI represents a calculated vertical integration move in the European geospatial market. By bringing this long-term partner in-house, Hexagon secures direct control over specialized aerial data acquisition capabilities that complement their existing sensor technologies and processing platforms.

The financial scale is modest—APEI is expected to generate only 3 million EUR in 2025 (a fraction of Hexagon's 5.4 billion EUR revenue base)—but the strategic value is significant. France represents one of the largest geospatial data markets in the EU, driven by governmental mandates for comprehensive, updated national mapping. This acquisition gives Hexagon enhanced access to these stable, recurring government contracts.

From an operational perspective, the integration risk appears minimal. APEI already utilizes Hexagon's sensors and contributes to their Content Program. The small team size (approximately 10 employees) should facilitate smooth integration into Hexagon's Geosystems division.

The acquisition also provides Hexagon with physical assets—APEI's fleet of aircraft—which enhances their end-to-end capabilities in aerial data collection across France, neighboring European countries, and parts of Africa. This positions Hexagon to pursue additional governmental mapping programs beyond France.

For Hexagon's cloud platform HxDR, this acquisition secures a consistent source of high-quality aerial imagery and elevation models, strengthening the company's position in the growing market for precise geospatial data that underpins digital twin applications and smart infrastructure planning.

STOCKHOLM, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hexagon AB has announced an agreement to acquire APEI, a French company specialising in aerial mapping, to augment its geospatial data platforms.

APEI owns and operates a fleet of private aircraft dedicated to aerial data acquisition, primarily within France, neighbouring European countries, and Africa. They have been a long-term partner of Hexagon, utilising its sensors and processing capabilities and contributing to the Hexagon Content Program, the largest library of aerial imagery & elevation models in the United States & Europe and a core application on HxDR, Hexagon's cloud-based platform for storing, visualising and collaborating on spatial data. Acquiring APEI will enhance Hexagon's ability to support growing demand for accurate, large-scale geospatial content.

"France is one of the largest geospatial data markets in the EU, driven by the French government's ambition to maintain updated mapping content of the entire country," said Norbert Hanke, interim President and CEO of Hexagon. "This acquisition enhances our ability to engage with this opportunity and positions us for other governmental programmes in Europe and Africa."

APEI, supported by around 10 employees, will be reported within Hexagon's Geosystems division and is expected to generate revenues of around ~3 MEUR in 2025 with margins similar to average Hexagon levels. Completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions and is expected to be finalised by the end of Q2 2025.

For further information, please contact:  
Tom Hull, Head of Investor Relations, Hexagon AB, +44 7442 678 437, ir@hexagon.com  
Anton Heikenström, Investor Relations Manager, Hexagon AB, +46 8 601 26 26, ir@hexagon.com  

About Hexagon  

Hexagon is the global leader in precision technologies at any scale. Our digital twins, robotics and AI solutions are transforming the industries that shape our reality.   

Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B) has approximately 24,800 employees in 50 countries and net sales of approximately 5.4bn EUR. Learn more at hexagon.com and follow us @HexagonAB.   

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Hexagon to acquire Aero Photo Europe Investigation (APEI) to enhance its aerial mapping capabilities in Europe

 

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SOURCE Hexagon

FAQ

What is the expected revenue contribution of APEI to Hexagon AB (HEXA)?

APEI is expected to generate revenues of approximately 3 MEUR in 2025 with margins similar to Hexagon's average levels.

When is Hexagon's acquisition of APEI expected to close?

The acquisition is expected to be finalized by the end of Q2 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions.

How many employees will Hexagon acquire with APEI?

APEI has approximately 10 employees who will be integrated into Hexagon's Geosystems division.

What is APEI's geographical coverage for aerial mapping services?

APEI operates primarily within France, neighboring European countries, and Africa.

How will the APEI acquisition benefit Hexagon's business?

The acquisition will enhance Hexagon's ability to support growing demand for geospatial content and engage with French government mapping programs, while positioning for other governmental opportunities in Europe and Africa.