By Ian McConnell
GLASGOW-based Altia, which provides specialist intelligence and investigation software for government and law enforcement agencies across the UK, Canada and Australia, has unveiled its first-ever acquisition.
Altia has bought Australian company VeriSaas, a field-intelligence and evidence-collection software business. VeriSaas's core proposition is Verinote, a digital note-taking system aimed at replacing the need for paper notebooks to document conversations, decisions and observations, and at improving security and efficiencies. The software stores notes in the cloud, allowing users to search and access information in real time.
Altia, backed by private equity firm NorthEdge, operates in 17 countries.
VeriSaaS founder and chief executive Brice Neilson will join Altia as its director of Asia-Pacific.
Rob Sinclair, chief executive of Altia, said: “We want to continue to create the latest cutting-edge software that will transform the way the public and private sector tackle investigations. Brice’s experience of working in law enforcement and politics has allowed him to build a software business that solves complex and critical issues with practical solutions.”
Rob Sinclair, chief executive of Altia, said: “We want to continue to create the latest cutting-edge software that will transform the way the public and private sector tackle investigations. Brice’s experience of working in law enforcement and politics has allowed him to build a software business that solves complex and critical issues with practical solutions. Physical note taking is inefficient, expensive to procure and, at worst, these sensitive documents can get lost or stolen.”
Mr Neilson said: “I’ve partnered with Altia for just over a year now, and I’ve been consistently impressed with their drive to help investigation teams across government, law enforcement and private sector organisations improve effectiveness and efficiencies using technology. The VeriSaaS core software offering Verinote is highly applicable and proven within the market, and I’m looking forward to taking it to more regions across the globe with Altia.”
Kevin O’Loughlin, NorthEdge investment director and board member at Altia, said: “November will mark one year since we invested in Altia, and I couldn’t be more pleased that we’re recognising that with the business’ first ever acquisition.
"VeriSaaS’s ambitions align perfectly with Altia’s and given the solid relationship Rob and Brice have built over the last 12 months this makes for a great partnership. This acquisition follows a significant year of investment for the company in its technology and its people, and we’re looking forward to see it continue to grow its global presence across the public and private sector.”
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