ABB, an infrastructure technology company, announced that it has agreed to acquire Canadian company Real Tech, a supplier of optical sensor technology that enables real-time water monitoring and testing.
The acquisition will expand ABB’s presence in the water sector and complement its current optical technology product portfolio for smart water management. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
ABB said that the transaction is expected to close some time in Q1 2024.
Traditional water quality measurement can be a time-consuming process. Real-time monitoring technologies like Real Tech’s can enable better process control and continuous water quality assurance.
“We are excited to welcome all our new colleagues to the ABB family,” said Jacques Mulbert, division president of ABB Measurement & Analytics. “We look forward to jointly driving the innovation and growth journey of Real Tech. Joining forces with ABB will accelerate the deployment of Real Tech's technologies through the vast ABB global sales and service network, making a step change in access to market. The acquisition is an important part of ABB Measurement & Analytics’ strategy, which includes adding advanced environmental technologies to the portfolio.”
Real Tech’s solutions cover the entire digital water value chain for water quality monitoring with a focus on data creation and analytics.
Real Tech’s portfolio includes optical sensors, controllers and a suite of optional accessories that allow each system to be configured according to customer needs. The sensors use spectrophotometry and fluorescence measuring techniques to move testing from the lab to the process environment for real-time use.
The company has approximately 40 employees and is based in Whitby, Ontario.
“When we founded Real Tech almost 20 years ago, we were set on developing optical sensor technology that would advance the management of water into a new era,” said Jodi Glover, CEO and co-founder of Real Tech. “Our real-time water quality monitoring sensors and data analytics capabilities are empowering our clients, both utilities and industries that manage water in their operation and manufacturing processes, with the critical insights they need every minute, every day. We look forward to becoming part of ABB with our shared vision to create a more sustainable future.”
