Livermore, Calif. – April 19, 2010 – Topcon Positioning Systems announced today one of the company’s largest distributors — Land Measurement Systems (LMS) of Calgary, Alberta, with offices in Winnipeg, Vancouver and Edmonton — has been purchased by Brandt Tractor, Ltd.
Brandt is part of The Brandt Companies, the largest privately owned company in Saskatchewan. With 21 locations across Western Canada, Brandt is also the largest privately held John Deere dealership in the world.
Brandt has worked closely with LMS to distribute Topcon machine control products for Western Canada for more than two years.
With the acquisition of LMS, Brandt will now represent the full line of Topcon positioning products for surveying and construction. Brandt will also assume the Topcon Regional Repair Center operations, capable of servicing Topcon equipment from all across Canada and the United States. Additionally, Brandt will assume ownership of Topcon’s Real Time Kinetic (RTK) Network in western Canada.
Jamie Williamson, Topcon senior vice president, said, "This joining of the LMS operations with Brandt will bring incredible benefits to customers and potential customers in Western Canada. Topcon will get a direct benefit from the world-class sales and service organization of Brandt, and the company’s large geographic footprint across Western Canada.
"Additionally," he said, "Brandt brings exemplary business management skills and financial resources to the dealership. This allows both Brandt and Topcon to leverage the history of building strong relationships and great technical expertise that is the legacy of LMS."
He said, "The sale is effective immediately and this is a great move to help both companies grow the business in the future."
Shaun Semple, president of Brandt Tractor, said, "We are very excited to have the LMS organization join the Brandt family. We are equally excited about adding a quality product line such as Topcon to our premium product offerings like John Deere and Ditch Witch that we have offered our customers for many years. Topcon gives Brandt a strategic advantage as we look to the future of machine control and positioning technologies."
Randy Hudson, division manager of positioning technologies with LMS, said, "This transaction is a win-win-win situation for all three companies. LMS has a history of building relationships with its customers by servicing all their needs. We worked closely with Topcon to build our business and with a company like Brandt Tractor taking a leadership role in the Topcon distribution network, the company will continue to grow."
About Brandt Group
The Brandt Group of Companies is the largest privately owned company in Saskatchewan and a platinum member of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies program. The Brandt Group of Companies brings more than 75 years of business experience to the industry.
About Brandt Tractor
Brandt Tractor is the largest privately held John Deere dealership in the world. With 21 branches across Western Canada, Brandt Tractor offers the best customer support team in the business. As well as providing a complete line of John Deere construction and forestry equipment, Brandt also offers superior sales and service for Ditch Witch, BOMAG and NPK.
About Topcon
Topcon Positioning Systems is the worldwide leading developer and manufacturer of precision positioning equipment and offers the widest selection of innovative precision GPS systems, laser, optical surveying, and machine control products.
About Land Measurement Systems
Land Measurement Systems was formed in Calgary Alberta in 1998 and has been one of Topcon’s largest distributors in Canada.