Ideagen expands safety solutions with acquisition of Reactec
Ideagen has acquired Reactec, a provider of workplace wearable technology and analytics, broadening its portfolio of health and safety solutions.
The integration gives Ideagen access to Reactec's platform of wearables and cloud-based analytics, designed to help organisations manage hazards such as vibration, dust and noise among employees, particularly in high-risk sectors including mining, construction and manufacturing.
Business rationale
Ben Dorks, Chief Executive Officer of Ideagen, said the purchase builds on the company's intention to support client safety and operational processes. "This is a significant milestone for Ideagen as we continue to invest in technologies that address real-world challenges faced by our customers.
Reactec's wearable technology and data analytics are a perfect complement to our portfolio, putting cutting-edge tools directly into the hands of those who need it most. Together, we are setting new standards for workplace safety and risk mitigation.
The addition of Reactec's wearables is expected to allow businesses using Ideagen's environmental health and safety systems to further monitor and manage risks faced by their employees.
Reactec's platform
Reactec has developed technology that enables employers to take a proactive approach to workplace health and safety. Its smartwatch and associated analytics platform are used to protect workers from various risks, including Hand Arm Vibration, dust exposure and proximity to hazardous equipment. Information gathered by the devices can be reviewed through Reactec Analytics to offer insights on possible interventions and safety improvements.
Jacqui McLaughlin, Chief Executive Officer of Reactec, stated, "At Reactec, our core mission has always been to protect workers and provide actionable insights that foster healthier and safer work environments.
Becoming part of Ideagen allows us to extend our reach and provide even greater value to organizations that are forward thinking in their approach to enhancing the health and wellbeing of their workers.
McLaughlin added, "We, like Ideagen, seek to prevent and not simply mitigate risk. We can totally see the value our technology can bring to Ideagen's existing customer base and look forward to working with them to deliver real impact."
Investor perspective
Archangel Investors, a Scottish investment syndicate, was among Reactec's early supporters. The company began as a spinout from the University of Edinburgh and developed from a specialised hand-arm vibration (HAVs) monitoring service to a general workplace safety platform based on wearables and analytics.
David Ovens, Joint Managing Director of Archangels, commented, "Over several years, Archangels has supported Reactec's transformation from a narrow HAVs application to a broad workplace safety platform, delivering meaningful health outcomes for workers.
We're particularly pleased to see recent strong growth in both domestic and international markets and we look forward to seeing the business flourish as part of Ideagen's global network which provides the perfect springboard for expansion.
In recent years, Reactec has expanded its offering beyond the UK into international markets, providing technology to customers in construction, transport, manufacturing and aviation. Its watch and analytics suite, launched in 2022, is manufactured in the UK and certified to ISO 9001:2015 and Cyber Essential Plus standards.
Ideagen's broader expansion
The acquisition marks the sixth by Ideagen in 2025, following its acquisition of WorkSafe Guardian the previous week as well as the addition of ConvergePoint, SafeFood 360 and Authenticate to further diversify its compliance and risk management portfolio earlier in the year.
Ideagen supplies over 16,000 organisations globally, including some of the largest names in mining and construction, 250 aviation organisations, nine of the top global aerospace and defence companies, the majority of global pharmaceutical firms, hundreds of healthcare facilities and several major accounting businesses.
Market impact
By bringing together Reactec's wearable technology with Ideagen's software suite, existing and prospective customers will have a broader toolkit to address workplace safety, offering additional methods to collect and analyse data relevant to employee health outcomes and compliance obligations.
The deal underlines Ideagen's ongoing commitment to workplace health, safety and compliance technologies, with the aim of supporting improved operational efficiency and regulatory adherence for its client base.
