Jenoptik, a global company that manufactures and distributes components and systems that contribute towards road traffic safety, has acquired all shares of the British software development company Essa.

Essa develops automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) back office and traffic enforcement software. Both companies have agreed not to disclose details on the purchase price.

Jenoptik president and CEO Michael Mertin said: “This strategic acquisition is a further step in the development towards an integrated solutions provider for public safety and security as well as future smart cities”

Essa is located in Plymouth, England and upon completion of the transaction, the company will be integrated into the Mobility segment of Jenoptik.

Mertin further added: “Essa Technology complements our portfolio ideally, making us a single-source provider of hardware, software and service models for enhanced security and traffic safety worldwide.”

"Essa Technology complements our portfolio ideally, making us a single-source provider of hardware, software and service models for enhanced security and traffic safety worldwide."

Jenoptik develops sensor-based technologies for traffic monitoring that includes laser scanner, radar, piezo technology, video analysis and induction loops.

The company also develops comprehensive systems relating to all aspects of road traffic, such as speed measurement and red light monitoring systems, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) products and systems for the detection of traffic violations.

In 2014, Jenoptik had last strengthened its position with the acquisition of Vysionics in the UK.

Image: Jenoptik acquires UK-based technology company Essa. Photo: courtesy of Jenoptik.