Objective Corporation (ASX:OCL) today announced it has signed a definitive agreement (subject to customary closing conditions) to acquire Isovist, a provider of powerful GIS based e-planning solutions for local governments across Australia and New Zealand. The acquisition will supplement Objective’s capabilities in the Planning and Building sector and support its continued efforts to build stronger communities and nations through market-defining GovTech software.
Strategic Fit
Isovist is a specialist provider of e-planning software for local government that transforms planning from a static document-based process to a dynamic digital solution. Developed by planners, for planners, its flagship product replaces manual plan preparation that is highly tailored and easy to use. The Isovist solution is based on a powerful plan viewer interface that directly links a site to the relevant elements of the local planning regulations. This helps councils, property owners and developers know the specific planning regulations that apply to a site to make rapid assessments of planned works.
Isovist’s e-planning products are used by over 50 councils in Australia and New Zealand. The solution is known for its intuitive user experience, rapid implementation, and alignment to local planning frameworks. The business has demonstrated strong product–market fit, with high customer retention. Its experienced team brings deep domain expertise in both planning technology and council operations — supplementing Objective’s existing capabilities and extending its footprint in the Planning & Building space.
Looking to the future for the Isovist platform, Objective will integrate its proven artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to further transform the planning and development process. Objective already sets the benchmark for information governance and is in an unparalleled position to deliver information intelligence that can drive high veracity AI outcomes for our customers. High quality, curated data enables high quality AI results. IsoPlan surfaces not only the data, but also the context to drive efficient, relevant, and reliable AI processes for development consent approval.
Transaction Metrics
Total consideration for the transaction is an enterprise value of NZ$5 million, NZ$4.25m paid upfront and NZ$0.75m deferred for two years. All consideration is payable in cash. The ARR of Isovist Limited at 30 June 2025 is NZ$2.2 million and has been profitable since 2022. All Isovist employees will join Objective following the acquisition.
Commentary
Isovist Managing Director, Mark Burston, said:
“Isovist has been providing award winning ePlanning systems to local government for more than 10 years. Objective’s strong track record of investing in their software means we can accelerate innovation in our product to deliver planning solutions for our customers today, and expanded offerings in the future.”
Objective’s CEO, Tony Walls, said:
“This acquisition is a strategic extension of our capabilities in Planning & Building for local government. Isovist brings not only a complementary product suite to Objective, but also shared values of delivering specialised planning solutions to local government that help communities grow and thrive.
“We have maintained a disciplined approach to M&A and that will continue. Isovist have a strong product, a profitable business model, and clear alignment to our long-term vision. We’re pleased to welcome the whole Isovist team to the Objective family and look forward to what we can achieve together.”
Isovist will continue operating as usual, with no immediate changes for existing customers. Integration planning is underway, with a focus on staff and customer support in the immediate future, followed by enhancing product capability and long-term value creation.
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About Isovist
Isovist is based in both Australia and New Zealand and our focus is to provide modern and high-quality software in the Local Government Planning sector and have been providing award winning ePlanning systems for 10 years.
About Objective
We create software to make a difference.
Using Objective software, thousands of public sector organisations are shifting to being completely digital. Where our customers can work from anywhere; with access to information, governance guaranteed, and security assured.
Innovation is our lifeblood. We invest significantly in the ongoing development of our products to deliver outstanding solutions to the public sector and regulated industries.
The result – is stronger national and community outcomes; and accountability that builds trust in government.
Objective: www.objective.com.au
