Transportation technology firm Marston Holdings has acquired fellow UK company Vortex IoT, a supplier of environmental sensors, networks and data products that support improved air quality and decarbonisation initiatives.

Marston supports governments, utilities and private sector clients through the delivery of integrated technology from design through to implementation, management and recovery. Its clients include local authorities seeking to build environmental schemes that reduce congestion and pollution.

With the acquisition of Vortex, Marston will strengthen its offering by delivering complementary air quality and acoustic monitoring that increases awareness, identifies pollution hotspots and improves public health.

Air quality monitors and associated data and analytics are required to assess the success of policy in meeting clean air targets and Marston can now extend its technology offering to include these.

The acquisition of Vortex follows the 2019 acquisitions of Videalert, a supplier of intelligent traffic management; ParkTrade, a Swedish tolling payments and collections business; and LogicValley, an Indian AI-focused developer. Vortex’s products will bolster Marston’s transportation technology division.

“We have a long track record of successfully working in partnership with the public sector and this acquisition reflects client feedback seeking innovative, technology-enabled solutions,” said Mark Hoskin, chief commercial officer at Marston Holdings. “Cop 26 demonstrated public support for driving the transition to a zero-carbon economy. We are pleased to further enhance our ability to support our clients and their residents through cleaner, healthier and more people-friendly communities.”

Steve Callaghan, chair of Marston Holdings, added: “Marston Holdings has been on a journey of enhancing technological capability and I’m delighted that Vortex IoT’s innovations now form part of our end-to-end offering delivering cleaner, greener streets.”

Vortex IoT is a Welsh company that builds environmental sensors, networks and data products to support decarbonisation efforts globally. As experts in IoT, AI, 5G and lidar technology, it helps smart cities and smart infrastructures become more efficient, safer and greener.

Adrian Sutton, CEO of Vortex IoT, said: “Joining Marston Holdings accelerates our ability to deliver social value and environmental change for clients. We are delighted to collectively build on the existing relationships we have established as trusted partners to our clients.”

Marston Holdings is a provider of transportation and enforcement services supporting government, utilities and private sector clients. Employing over 6000 staff and contractors across the UK, Europe and India, its clients include Highways England, Transport for London and 280 local authorities.