EDGE Defence acquires New Zealand Ocean Technology
EDGE Defence Limited acquires 100% of the share capital of long-established specialist underwater technology company New Zealand Ocean Technology Limited.
New Zealand Ocean Technology Limited (NZOT), established 42 years ago, supplies and supports underwater vehicles (UUVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous systems, diving equipment and specialist maritime capability for the New Zealand Defence Force, New Zealand Police and other government agencies.
NZOT will continue to operate under its established brand, with its experienced technical support team remaining in place.
The company will continue delivering through-life support, maintenance, engineering services and specialist capability from its workshops located on the Royal New Zealand Navy Base at Devonport, while supporting customers throughout New Zealand and on specialist deployments, including Antarctica.
As part of the acquisition, John Gell has been appointed General Manager of NZOT and Director, and Jack Towers has been promoted to Defence Services Manager.
Andrew Edwards, Co-Founder and shareholder of EDGE Defence, has been appointed Chairman of the Board.
“… this acquisition creates exciting opportunities to expand our engineering capability, strengthen support to the New Zealand Defence Force and bring innovative technologies to New Zealand through our global industry partnerships.“
The acquisition brings together two complementary New Zealand defence suppliers. While NZOT has built its reputation in underwater systems, sustainment and specialist maritime capability, EDGE Defence provides advanced defence technologies, systems integration, engineering and sovereign capability development.
“NZOT has earned an exceptional reputation over the past 42 years by supporting those who protect New Zealand,” said Andrew Edwards, Chairman of NZOT.
“Our priority is simply to preserve everything that customers value while investing in the next generation of capability, people and partnerships. Together with EDGE Defence, we are building a stronger New Zealand-owned defence business that will continue delivering world-class support for decades to come.”
“Our customers can expect continuity from day one,” added John Gell, General Manager of NZOT.
“The technical support team, the relationships and the commitment to service remain unchanged. At the same time, this acquisition creates exciting opportunities to expand our engineering capability, strengthen support to the New Zealand Defence Force and bring innovative technologies to New Zealand through our global industry partnerships.”
According to EDGE Defence, the acquisition represents another step in developing sovereign New Zealand defence capability through local expertise, trusted international partnerships and long-term investment in advanced maritime technologies.
EDGE Defence acknowledged the significant contribution made by Ron Tyson and Ann Tyson in building NZOT into one of New Zealand’s most respected defence technology companies and thanked them for their dedication over more than four decades.
“Ron and Ann have both worked very hard for so long in the support of the country’s defence. We really appreciate them.” stated John Gell.
