By guest blogger Kevin Connors

Two recent business deals remind us that competition is fierce among those vying for a share of the growing ed-tech marketplace. 

ACT Acquires Pacific Metrics

ACT, the nonprofit best known for creating a standardized test of the same name, has acquired Pacific Metrics, a provider of products and services in online testing and automated scoring.

The financial details of the deal were not disclosed, however, the press release states that the Monterey, Calif.-based Pacific Metrics will remain a “separate, stand-alone company.” Though ACT will now own the company, they will solely provide “strategic guidance.”

Pacific Metrics focuses on four key areas of research and development: online testing, automated scoring and reporting, psychometric research and analysis, and technologically advanced content development. ACT looks to gain much desired capabilities and expertise in the rapidly evolving, technology-infused landscape of K-12 education. 

Festo Didactic Merges With Lab-Volt

Meanwhile, on the international front, Germany based-Festo Didactic and the U.S.-Canadian company Lab-Volt, two providers of technology learning systems and training services, have merged.

Both firms, seen as complements to one another, are looking to broaden their product lines and increase their international presence. The two product lines will be integrated with a “joint portfolio and branding strategy,” according the details included on Festo Didactic’s website, and there will be no reduction in staff at either company.

The merged company will operate under the umbrella of its parent company, Festo Group, which employs approximately 16,700 people worldwide.