Roke, part of the Chemring Group, has acquired Geollect

A Bristol-based tech business led by former UK and US government and military intelligence specialists has been acquired for an undisclosed sum.

Geospatial intelligence specialist Geollect has developed mapping platforms that gather and visualise data using space and ground-based sensors, allowing organisations to mitigate risk or identify opportunities.

The business, founded by Cate and Richard Gwilliam in 2017 and based in Almondsbury Business Park in Bradley Stoke, has now been bought by science and engineering firm Roke, which is itself part of FTSE-250 defence tech group Chemring.

With the deal, Geollect will work as part of a new business unit within Roke which will provide clients with access and analysis of publicly available data, known as open source intelligence.

Ms Gwilliam, Geollect’s chief executive, said: “We knew that to fulfil our true potential, we needed an organisation that had shared values and aspirations. Roke is the ideal fit for Geollect. Its vision and strategy align perfectly with our own, and I have no doubt that Roke will enable our team to operate to their full potential.”

Roke’s managing director Paul MacGregor, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Geollect to the Roke family. With a focus on innovative geolocation technologies and outstanding delivery in support its customers, this acquisition is a valuable addition to Roke and will further accelerate our growth as a business.”