Hexagon AB

Hexagon AB. Hexagon AB is a global leader in digital reality solutions, combining sensor, software and autonomous technologies. Headquartered in Stockholm, the multinational technology group operates across two core segments: Geospatial Enterprise Solutions and Industrial Enterprise Solutions. The company's portfolio is instrumental in driving efficiency, productivity, and quality across diverse industries such as manufacturing, infrastructure, construction, and public safety.

History

The company was founded in 1975 through a merger between three Swedish firms: Agema Infrared Systems, Hägglunds & Söner, and SwedSurvey. Initially focused on electro-optics and surveying equipment, Hexagon embarked on a transformative acquisition strategy in the late 1990s under the leadership of Ola Rollén. A pivotal moment was the 2000 acquisition of the Swiss Leica Geosystems, a historic name in precision measurement and photogrammetry, which established Hexagon's core in geospatial technologies. Subsequent decades saw strategic purchases that built its industrial software arm, including the landmark 2010 acquisition of the American Intergraph Corporation, a major player in engineering design and plant design software. This period of expansion solidified its presence in critical markets across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Products and services

Hexagon's offerings are centered on creating a seamless digital reality from the physical world. Its sensor technologies include high-precision laser trackers, 3D scanners, and airborne sensors used for applications like crime scene investigation and autonomous vehicle testing. The software portfolio is extensive, featuring platforms such as ERDAS IMAGINE for remote sensing, Luciad for situational awareness, and the Nexus platform for digital twin creation. In manufacturing, its Computer-aided manufacturing and coordinate-measuring machine software, like PC-DMIS, are industry standards for quality control. For infrastructure and construction, solutions like Leica Captivate and HxGN SmartNet provide real-time kinematic positioning for surveyors and construction equipment.

Corporate structure

Hexagon is organized into two main reporting divisions. The Geospatial Enterprise Solutions division, largely comprising the Leica Geosystems business, focuses on solutions for the geospatial, construction, and agriculture sectors. The Industrial Enterprise Solutions division encompasses the Manufacturing Intelligence and Safety & Infrastructure portfolios, serving industries such as automotive, aerospace, and oil and gas. The group operates through a decentralized model with numerous global brands, including Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, Hexagon Safety & Infrastructure, and Hexagon Geosystems. Its governance is led by a Board of Directors in Sweden, with major operational hubs in Heerbrugg, Switzerland; Huntsville, Alabama; and London.

Financial performance

Hexagon has demonstrated consistent financial growth, with annual revenues exceeding €5 billion. The company is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Stockholm exchange under the ticker HEXA B and is a constituent of the OMX Stockholm 30 index. A significant portion of its revenue is derived from recurring software and service contracts, which provide stable cash flow. Geographically, its largest markets are Europe and the Americas, with expanding operations in the Asia-Pacific region. The company maintains a strong commitment to research and development, investing heavily in areas like artificial intelligence and cloud computing to drive future innovation and market leadership.

Acquisitions and partnerships

Hexagon's growth has been fundamentally driven by an aggressive and strategic acquisition campaign. Major transactions include the purchase of MSC Software in 2017, a pioneer in computer-aided engineering and simulation software, and AutonomouStuff in 2018, a leader in autonomous vehicle technology. In 2021, it acquired Infor's Enterprise Asset Management business to strengthen its asset performance management capabilities. Beyond acquisitions, Hexagon fosters key technology partnerships, such as collaborations with NVIDIA to advance AI-powered manufacturing solutions and with Microsoft to integrate its solutions into the Azure cloud platform. These alliances and purchases continuously expand its ecosystem and technological reach.

Category:Companies listed on NASDAQ Stockholm Category:Technology companies of Sweden Category:Companies established in 1975