An Australian company, with a proven track record in precision farming, has been aquired by a Scandinavian organisation that is promising Australian farmers a "seamless integration" of the two companies.

A statement by Brisbane-based Leica Geosystems' parent company, Sweden's Hexagon Group, details its acquisition of Rinex Technology, Perth.

Rinex is acknowledged for its innovation in both developing and marketing hardware and software for agriculture equipment guidance and automated implement control systems, plus is establishing a presence in the US.

"We have been working with Rinex under a joint development agreement to create advanced products for the precision agriculture market," Australian business manager, Leica Geosystems, Glenn Clark said.

"This acquisition will enable Leica Geosystems to expand its product platform more quickly and offer a wider range of precision agriculture components."

In Australia, Rinex has made commercial in-roads with its mojoRTK auto-steer system with the new business arrangements poised to improve customer support, according to Leica.

The company says the first new product resulting from this acquisition will be a full-function colour touch screen that will work directly with its mojoRTK auto-steer system by providing additional functionality, including contour and pivot guidance, mapping and record keeping.

The screen will be supported via Leica Geosystems' web-based Virtual Wrench remote diagnostic and support system that is being positioned for release in early 2009.

Meanwhile, business manager, Rinex Technology, Rob Kiernan, says he is "looking forward to continuing our work" serving Australia's farmers with precision agriculture equipment that has been developed over the past 12 years.

"Rinex has been at the forefront of precision agricultural systems since inception and by becoming part of Leica Geosystems, we gain better access to the global marketplace, and the ability to further expand our product lines by combining the strengths of our Australian based research and development teams," Mr Kiernan said.

In addition to new product development, Leica Geosystems says it will market and sell the existing Rinex product line with products from both companies being made available through existing dealer networks.