Smart Eye Acquires iMotions for $46.6m

Swedish eye tracking technology firm Smart Eye has acquired Danish emotional response software measurement developer iMotions for $46.6m.

Founded in 2005 and based in Copenhagen, iMotions also has offices in Boston, Singapore and Berlin. The firm's software combines data from more than 50 sensors - including eye tracking, facial expressions, sweat gland activity and brain activity - in one platform that tracks, aggregates and analyses nonconscious emotional, cognitive and behavioral data in real time.

Following the takeover, iMotions will continue to operate independently, and according to the firms, their combination will create a 'powerhouse' for analyzing emotional, cognitive and behavioral data, delivering holistic human insights. iMotions, which will be a wholly owned subsidiary of the Smart Eye Group, will continue to be independently run by CEO Peter Hartzbech (pictured). The buy increases Smart Eye's presence, which includes its recent acquisition of US-based facial expression technology firm Affectiva, and existing bases in Sweden, the US, Japan, China, and Germany.

Martin Krantz, founder and CEO of Smart Eye, comments: 'The addition of iMotions and its multi-sensor integration software promises to unlock increased value for Smart Eye's current customers, particularly in the automotive industry, while opening the door to others. With iMotions, we're adding the world's leading insights and analysis software to our leading eye tracking and facial expression analysis technologies'.

Web sites: www.smarteye.se and www.imotionsglobal.com .