Smart Eye acquires Sightic Analytics in a definitive agreement intended to strengthen its artificial intelligence offerings in driver and safety monitoring systems. In this landmark transaction, Smart Eye will issue newly created shares to cover a fixed purchase price of SEK 60.5 million. The acquisition could also include an earn‑out component worth up to SEK 50 million should certain milestones be achieved.

Completion of the acquisition is contingent upon regulatory clearance by the Swedish Inspectorate of Strategic Products (ISP), expected in March 2026. Upon closing, Smart Eye intends to issue 721,410 new shares, diluting current shareholders by approximately 1.9% based on the volume‑weighted average price of SEK 83.86. The company will simultaneously assume salary obligations for about 20 full‑time equivalents (FTEs), increasing near‑term operating costs even as it accelerates product development.

Strategic Value of the Acquisition

Sightic Analytics, headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, is recognised for its advanced eye‑analysis methodologies and real‑world dataset strength in detecting alcohol and drug impairment. Through this acquisition, Smart Eye gains access to a uniquely large and positive dataset designed to refine AI models for impaired‑driving detection.

Smart Eye’s CEO, Martin Krantz, emphasised the shared vision of both companies to create safer road environments by integrating Sightic’s data capabilities with Smart Eye’s driver monitoring technologies. This combination is expected to accelerate readiness for series production as early as 2026, positioning the merged technology favourably for adoption with global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Operational Integration and Future Growth

Integration of the two companies’ technologies is expected to reduce future data collection needs and lower development costs. Smart Eye plans to launch a new business unit dedicated to Industry & Law Enforcement solutions, broadening its product reach beyond automotive applications.

While the acquisition increases operating expenses in the near term, Smart Eye forecasts that synergies resulting from aligned data assets and combined expertise will offset these costs. The company does not expect material changes to previously communicated profitability forecasts.

Furthermore, adding impairment detection could enable Smart Eye to increase average selling prices (ASP) for its driver monitoring system (DMS) licenses and enhance long‑term revenue potential.

Earn‑Out Structure and Performance Milestones

Under the agreement, performance‑based payments totalling up to SEK 50 million may be made if specific targets are met:

• SEK 35 million if aggregate Design Wins with combined product functionality reach at least SEK 70 million in order value by 31 December 2030.
• SEK 15 million linked to sales targets for drug impairment detection applications within three years of closing.

These earn‑outs may be settled in cash or additional shares, at Smart Eye’s discretion.

Regulatory Conditions and Shareholder Commitments

Smart Eye and Sightic have jointly concluded that Sightic conducts security‑sensitive activities under Sweden’s foreign direct investment regime. Accordingly, the acquisition requires mandatory notification to the ISP. Closing is anticipated in March 2026, subject to ISP clearance.

Significant shareholders in Sightic, holding more than 92% of the company, have agreed to a lock‑up period of up to 12 months following closing, limiting sales of the newly issued Smart Eye shares.

About Smart Eye and Sightic Analytics

Founded in 1999, Smart Eye is a global leader in Human Insight AI, providing advanced driver monitoring and behavioural AI solutions to automotive OEMs and research organisations worldwide. Combined with acquisitions such as Affectiva and iMotions, the company delivers comprehensive software and hardware tools for human behaviour analysis.

Sightic Analytics, established in 2019, specialises in AI‑based detection of alcohol and drug impairment using advanced eye‑tracking technologies and one of the industry’s largest impairment‑related datasets.