The acquired business is expected to enhance Kpler’s maritime coverage and provide insights into global vessel movements and shipping logistics. Credit: Me dia/Shutterstock.

Kpler, a data and analytics platform for seaborne trade intelligence, has signed an agreement to acquire Spire Maritime, a provider of satellite-powered data for real-time global vessel tracking, from Spire Global.

The deal, valued at $241m, includes a $233.5m purchase price and an additional $7.5m for services over 12 months following the closure.

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Spire Global has stated that the proceeds from the sale will be utilised to retire all outstanding debt and to invest in growth opportunities.

Spire Global CEO Peter Platzer said: “This move further focuses Spire on our core mission: helping humanity tackle climate change and global security challenges – two of the macrotrends driving the space economy.

“We are now even better equipped with the resources, technology and experience to serve governments and commercial clients to fulfil their missions, whether through our advanced data solutions or empowering them with our sophisticated space services offering.”

The acquisition will bolster Kpler’s maritime coverage and offer insights into global vessel movements and shipping logistics.

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It will expand Kpler’s data reach and ensure comprehensive visibility across the open oceans, by integrating Spire Maritime’s technology and Automatic Identification System (AIS) feed.

Furthermore, Spire Maritime’s technology is expected to enhance Kpler’s ability to deliver real-time data and analytics, aiding clients in making informed, data-driven decisions within the global supply chain.

Kpler CEO Mark Cunningham said: “By acquiring Spire Maritime, we will materially improve our satellite AIS offering which together with our comprehensive terrestrial AIS network, significantly enhances real-time visibility and analytics for the maritime and commodity markets.

“This will provide our clients with a clearer view of developments across maritime and commodity markets, to support better decision-making in a globally interconnected economy.”

The acquisition is set to be finalised by the first quarter of 2025, pending the fulfilment of standard closing conditions.

Despite the sale, Spire Global will maintain its satellite network, technology, and infrastructure, and will continue to serve its aviation, weather, and space services customers.

Additionally, it will retain the existing US government portion of its maritime customer portfolio.

The financial advisor for Spire Global during this transaction was Evercore, with legal counsel from Faegre Drinker. Kpler sought legal guidance from Cooley.

In 2023, Kpler acquired two global ship-tracking and maritime analytics companies, MarineTraffic and FleetMon, to enhance product, data and service quality for clients.