Brett Merritt, CEO of Echoview, with Ibone Rodríguez de Pablo, CEO and shareholder of Zunibal.
Photo: Zunibal
Spanish marine technology company Zunibal has announced the acquisition of Echoview, an Australian firm headquartered in Hobart, Tasmania, specialising in hydroacoustic science and software for fisheries management, aquaculture, and ocean research.
Zunibal said the acquisition will significantly expand its technological capabilities and product range, supporting its international growth and opening new opportunities across sustainable fisheries, oceanography, and the wider blue economy. Founded in Bizkaia, Spain, in 1995, Zunibal develops smart devices and advanced technologies for sustainable fishing and marine monitoring.
Echoview, also founded in 1995, has built a global reputation for hydroacoustic software solutions used by researchers and industry worldwide, with users in over 70 countries and more than 2,500 academic publications referencing its technology. The company also provides training and consultancy services to scientific institutions, government agencies, and commercial clients.
Ibone Rodríguez de Pablo, CEO and shareholder of Zunibal, said the acquisition "represents a key step toward our global strategic vision".
"We are incorporating into the group a company with unquestionable prestige in its technological niche, which will allow us to accelerate our capacity for innovation and deliver tangible value to our clients worldwide," she said.
From left: Brett Merritt, CEO of Echoview; Ibone Rodríguez de Pablo, CEO and shareholder of Zunibal; Aitor Aizpurua, CTO of Zunibal; John Dyson, outgoing Non-Executive Director of Echoview; Chris Free, CFO/COO of Echoview; Geoff Matt, Engineering Manager of Echoview; Rowland Washington, Sales Manager of Echoview; and Briony Hutton, Chief Scientist of Echoview.
Photo: Zunibal
Nazca Capital, which holds a stake in Zunibal, described the purchase as part of a broader strategy to grow the business internationally. “The addition of Echoview strengthens Zunibal’s technology and innovation profile while opening new opportunities in strategic areas for the group," said Daniel Pascual, a partner at Nazca Capital.
"This is the third acquisition in the last two years, aimed at improving customer service and technology. Our plan is to continue accelerating Zunibal's international expansion through acquisitions," he added.
“Joining Zunibal marks an exciting new chapter for Echoview,” he said. “For 30 years, our team has been committed to advancing hydroacoustic science and software," stated Echoview CEO Brett Merritt.
"Partnering with a company with a world-class reputation for innovation and responsible marine technologies will benefit our customers, provide the opportunity to expand our global reach and continue delivering trusted, global solutions for the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems.”
The companies stated that Echoview’s team will continue to run the business, with operational integration into Zunibal beginning immediately.
"Together, the companies will deliver integrated and sustainable solutions that promote the responsible and efficient use of ocean resources. Joint opportunities include advanced real-time monitoring of aquaculture facilities, marine life monitoring for renewable energy installations, and precise, continuous tracking of the impacts of climate change on marine species," the companies stated.
In April this year, Zunibal announced it was expanding into Asia with the acquisition of the Taiwanese company Zong Hong Marine, which specializes in advanced satellite communication services.
