Murray, Utah - SysTech International LLC, which provides vehicle inspection services in 10 U.S. states, is being acquired by Opus Prodox AB, a Swedish firm which has a respected worldwide presence in the vehicle safety inspection industry, it was announced today.

The sale price for all of SysTech's assets was $37.7 million minus debt, the companies said in announcing the sale. Lothar Geilen will continue as CEO of Utah-based SysTech for at least the next five years, and U.S. employees and operations are not expected to be disrupted by the sale. Geilen also will assume a position on the Opus board of directors.

"Opus is a very successful international company with significant business relationships in the international vehicle inspection industry and with manufacturing operations in China," Geilen said. "Both companies pride themselves on strong customer focus and innovative approaches, as well as delivering the best technology, service and systems available anywhere. This business marriage makes total sense from both a financial and philosophical point of view.

"We have designed a transition that will ensure continued service to our customers and the stability of our SysTech employees, including benefits," Geilen said.

A press release from Opus, whose services include the development, production and sale of test equipment and analyzers for vehicle inspection and vehicle repair shops worldwide, stated that "the acquisition is expected to enhance Opus' possibilities for further international expansion and establishes the Company in the North American market."

SysTech is one of the nation's fastest growing vehicle inspection firms. It contracts with government agencies and provides management services for vehicle inspection programs including the delivery of equipment, technology solutions and networks, services and maintenance to vehicle inspection stations, training, public relations and auditing of vehicle inspection programs.

SysTech has contracts for vehicle inspection programs in California, Connecticut, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah and Bermuda. Geilen said he expects the strong financial clout of Opus to be an asset as SysTech continues to grow its U.S. operations.

"We have had long business relationships with SysTech International and are very excited about this acquisition," Opus CEO and President Magnus Greko said. "We are gaining access to a tremendous talent pool amongst their employees and their strong position in the U.S. vehicle inspection industry. SysTech is innovative and possesses the technology that will allow us to continue our current customer focus, while offering possibilities for U.S. and international expansions.

Today's acquisition decision by the Opus board is subject to general shareholder approval on April 25, and is expected to take full effect on April 28 of this year.