Trimble Purchases Sketchup from Google

Rumors have been flying around some time that Sketchup was being sold.  Many believed that Dassault Systèmes would purchase it.  Well they didn’t.  Trimble (http://3d.trimble.com) has purchased it.  Trimble (from their website) is “a leading provider of advanced positioning solutions that maximize productivity and enhance profitability.”  Trimble is likely best known for their GPS technology.  If you have ever done any surveying work then you have probably used some of their equipment at some point.

On April 26th, 2012, Trimble announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase Sketchup from Google.  The purchase is expected to finalize in the second quarter of 2012.


One of Sketchup’s great features is the 3D Warehouse.  According to the press release, Trimble will partner with Google on managing the 3D Warehouse.  Google will continue to host it and Trimble will continue with its access and implementation.    Users will still be able to submit building models to Google Earth for potential acceptance.

According to the press release Trimble plans to have Sketchup continue on as it has been under Google’s ownership.

This is an interesting purchase for Trimble.  Time will tell on what they will do with this new platform.  Sketchup has millions of users across many different design genres.  I can’t wait to see what Trimble does with it.

Links:
Trimble Press Release:  http://ww2.trimble.com/news/release.aspx?id=042712a
Trimble: http://ww2.trimble.com/corporate/about_trimble.aspx
Official Google Sketchup Blog: http://sketchupdate.blogspot.com/
Sketchup Website:  http://sketchup.google.com/