I.D. Systems to acquire Keytroller

I.D. Systems, Inc., a leading provider of mobile asset management technology and solutions for the Industrial Internet of Things, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Keytroller, LLC, a manufacturer and marketer of a wide range of electronic products for managing forklifts, construction vehicles, and other industrial equipment.

In 2016, Keytroller generated revenue of $6.6 million and adjusted EBITDA of $1.2 million. Beginning in the third quarter of 2017, Keytroller’s results will be included as part of I.D. Systems’ industrial truck management product line.

The two companies share complementary market positions and distribution channels. I.D. Systems sells its flagship PowerFleet industrial truck management systems primarily to large global enterprises and through lift truck manufacturers (OEMs), while Keytroller markets most of its products through a large network of lift truck dealers to small and medium-size end users. PowerFleet rarely competes head-to-head with Keytroller devices.

By combining Keytroller’s mid-range and economy products with PowerFleet, I.D. Systems becomes a single source of fleet management technology for industrial truck owners and operators, which the company believes will help it compete more effectively and diversify its revenue sources. The acquisition of Keytroller also gives I.D. Systems a new source of industrial truck usage data for its PowerFleet IQ analytics database, enhancing the value of that tool for multi-site enterprises.

“We are encouraged by the organic growth reflected in our preliminary second quarter revenue—and excited by our planned acquisition of Keytroller,” said I.D. Systems CEO Chris Wolfe. “Keytroller’s business complements our industrial truck management segment incredibly well, from product mix and market position to sales cycle and customer diversification. The acquisition should contribute immediately to I.D. Systems’ revenue and profitability, as well as position the company to achieve a more predictable, profitable revenue stream from a much more diverse customer base.”

The purchase price is $9 million at close, consisting of $7 million in cash and $2 million in I.D. Systems common stock, plus up to $3 million in earn-out consideration over two years, also in I.D. Systems common stock. The acquisition of Keytroller is expected to close before the end of July, 2017, upon satisfaction of customary closing conditions. For the second quarter ended June 30, 2017, I.D. Systems expects to report revenue between $10 million and $10.5 million.