Trimble snaps up WinEstimator

Trimble announced earlier today that it intends to acquire WinEstimator, a provider of construction cost estimating (WinEst) and cost modeling (Modelogix) software. The acquisition squarely targets the contractor and owner market, giving them ways to better understand and manage construction cost information. WinEstimator was founded in 1992, and has 5,000 clients (from small residential to very large commercial and public) in more than 80 countries. The flagship WinEst product can be integrated with most of the systems involved in a construction project, from CAD/BIM to scheduling, accounting and project management. Modelogix is far newer, analyzing past project data to enable contractors to create accurate estimates and ensure more profitable operations. Since even the largest contractors still rely on instinct and memory for much of their costing, bringing WinEstimator into the Trimble family will broaden its adoption. The company’s team of 25 is expected to join Trimble’s Meridian Systems group within the Engineering and Construction unit. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2012; financial terms were not disclosed.