New York-based analytics company S&P Global has acquired Orbcomm’s automatic identification system (AIS) data services business.

The AIS business provides satellite data services used to track and monitor vessels, enhancing maritime visibility and delivering insights that support business intelligence and decision-making for government and commercial clients worldwide.

Since 2004, Orbcomm’s AIS vessel tracking technology has incorporated high-quality, proprietary data with satellite and terrestrial based coverage. Its AIS products are used for diverse applications such as supply chain visibility, maritime safety, surveillance and security, environmental monitoring, and regulatory compliance. The AIS data services will be integrated into S&P’s market intelligence division.

“With the uncertainties surrounding global markets and supply chains, this strategic acquisition underscores our commitment to investing in differentiated data and solutions that can help our customers navigate the volatility,” said Whit McGraw from S&P Global. “Orbcomm’s AIS data services business offers cutting-edge technology and coverage that strengthens our energy transition and maritime supply chain offering, giving us ample opportunity to invest in new product innovations.”

S&P Global is also taking an equity position in Orbcomm. The two organisations will create an alliance to develop a range of differentiated supply chain data and insight offerings. The alliance builds on the complementary strengths of S&P Global and Orbcomm in global trade and logistics ecosystems.

“We’re excited to join forces with S&P Global to unlock new intelligence from our deep data resources and deliver new levels of intelligence to global supply chain stakeholders,” said Sameer Agrawal, CEO of Orbcomm. “Our AIS team looks forward to scaling their solutions with S&P Global, while we continue to sharpen our focus on ground-breaking smart supply chain visibility technology that serves the world’s intermodal shipping ecosystem.”

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of certain regulatory approvals. It is expected to close during 2025 and financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

DLA Piper served as legal advisor to S&P Global. PJT Partners and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett served as financial and legal advisors, respectively, to Orbcomm.

Orbcomm (www.orbcomm.com) is a pioneer in IoT technology, providing insights for data-driven decisions to optimise operations, increase profitability and build a more sustainable future.

S&P Global (www.spglobal.com) provides governments, businesses and individuals with data, expertise and connected technology so they can make decisions.