The Financial Times Group has acquired San Francisco-based tech firm GIS Planning to strengthen its roster of specialist services and products.

 

The Silicon Valley company, which offers data and intelligence on foreign direct investment and economic development in North America, adds to the FT’s current subscription services portfolio in the sector including fDi Magazine, fDi Markets and fDi Benchmark.

“GIS Planning is a strong addition to the FT Group, with valuable specialist information, cutting-edge technological capabilities, a loyal client base and substantial growth potential,” said Financial Times chief executive John Ridding.

“At a time when companies and investors are re-assessing optimal locations for business, GIS Planning brings significant expertise and opportunity. The FT’s international network and the global power of its brand will provide a healthy foundation for GIS Planning’s expansion.”

GIS Planning’s flagship product ZoomProspector provides quantitative analysis to help clients in the USA and Canada source the best location to start up, expand or relocate, boasting as a business more active clients than any other economic development-focused company in the region.

“Combining the data, software, and services of the Financial Times and GIS Planning creates a powerful economic development service focused on business growth and job creation,” commented GIS Planning co-founder Anatalion Ubalde.

“This partnership immediately offers a competitive advantage to US and Canadian economic development organisations, and has great potential to expand globally.”

Yesterday, Dow Jones Media Group relaunched its Financial News brand with a revamped mobile-friendly website.