US tech giant acquires Auckland-based software developer

Optima Corporation, a Kiwi software developer, has been bought by US tech firm Intermedix, fuelling the worldwide growth of the Auckland-based company.

Optima solutions provide predictive analytics and simulation algorithms for a number of industries including emergency services, health care and transportation.

The company uses sophisticated mathematics to solve complex business challenges such as demand planning, resource allocation and decision making support.

“Optima has successfully focused on addressing the acute pain points of the emergency services industry for the past 16 years,” says Chris Mackay, CEO, Optima.

“By joining forces with Intermedix, we will expand our reach in providing evidence-based answers to the complex and challenging questions faced by the industry.”

Founded in 1998 by Auckland University Engineering Science members Professor David Ryan and Dr Andrew Mason together with graduate Dr Paul Day, Optima's solutions have quickly forged an international reputation as market leaders with a rapidly growing customer base in Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand and offices in Oxford, England and Austin, Texas in the United States, as well as partners in Scandinavia and Spain.

The University of Auckland was involved in the initial start up and the business further developed its value proposition at the Ice House incubator.

It continued to grow, thanks to the support of investors like the Ice Angels and K1W1 with the company now having over 50 implementations in nine countries.

Optima’s solutions are used globally to support more than 5.5 million emergency responses annually and servicing a population of more than 50 million.

Terms of the deal will see Mackay continue to lead Optima operations as a member of the Intermedix leadership team.

It is, he said, a good opportunity to showcase New Zealand’s specific technology and innovation skills to a much broader market, far more quickly.

“The combination of Optima’s global presence and unique intellectual property were two key factors that captured the attention of Intermedix," adds David Clarke, Chairman, Optima.

"This acquisition is a natural and exciting growth path for the business and its people."

Based in Florida, Intermedix Corporation focuses on the highly fragmented health care and emergency response industries serving more than 7,500 physicians and 600 emergency management agencies.

“Optima’s software solutions provide emergency health care delivery agencies with the ideal balance of cost and performance,” adds Douh Shamon, President and CEO, Intermedix.

“Optima’s initiatives align perfectly with the Intermedix mission.

"We are proud to welcome Optima to the Intermedix family and look forward to further investing in the New Zealand based business.”