Alta Vista Ventures has a new name. To better reflect its operations, the Company has been renamed Global UAV Technologies Ltd. (CSE: UAV, OTCQB: YRLLF, Forum). However, while the corporate label has changed, the Company’s mission remains the same.
Global UAV is committed to establishing itself as a one-stop destination for the UAV sector. The path to achieving this mission is through consolidating key industry players in this (still) highly fragmented industry. A previous Stockhouse editorial outlined how Global UAV Technologies has folded in the operations of two private companies in the UAV space.
Pioneer Aerial Surveys provides industry-leading expertise in conducting UAV-MAG™ aeromagnetic surveys to mining and exploration companies. High-Eye Aerial Imaging engages in precision imaging via conventional photography versus the geophysics magnetic surveying conducted by Pioneer.
Now Global UAV Technologies has taken two additional steps in its progression toward being a fully-integrated provider of UAV services. On May 17, 2017; the Company announced signing a letter of intent to acquire Easy SFOC Ltd. On May 25, 2017; they announced an LOI to acquire a 100% interest in NOVAerial Robotics Inc.
Stockhouse recently caught up with Stephen Litwin, Global UAV Technologies’ head of Investor Relations to discuss the significance of these latest moves as well as the continued progress in the Company’s core businesses.
Globaluavtech.com
Please introduce your Company for the benefit of new investors.
Global UAV Technologies is in the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle business – most people refer to them as drones. We currently have two companies under the Global UAV Technologies umbrella and have recently announced two new acquisitions. We are working towards being a vertically integrated company that will offer products and services that cover this rapidly expanding sector.
Global UAV’s first two acquisitions were Pioneer Aerial and High Eye Aerial Imaging. What were the qualities that attracted management (at the time) to Pioneer?
When management was doing its due diligence on Pioneer they couldn’t find any other group who was performing geophysics surveys using drones. They understood that it was a very unique opportunity. Mike burns, who developed the system, came on board to run Pioneer Aerial and as such the transition has been seamless.
In what respects can Pioneer be considered “an industry leader”?
Pioneer’s expertise is in the mining and exploration space where I am not aware of any competition. We are the industry leader because no other company is doing this type of business and our survey equipment installed on our drones is the latest and state of the art. Pioneer uses them in a proprietary in-house developed set up.
How have Pioneer’s operations progressed since it was folded into Global UAV Technologies?
Their business has grown to the extent where we have had to add more equipment and manpower to keep up with the growing demand.
What additional niches were filled with the acquisition of High-Eye Aerial Imaging?
High Eye is a more traditional drone-type business. They can perform almost any type of ‘above ground’ survey. They have both fixed wing and multi-rotor drones that they use depending on the needs of each customer.
What is the near-term picture for this division of the Company’s operations?
With Global UAV Technologies as the parent company increased business is flowing to that division. High Eye is in a unique position to grow. The team is working on some innovative ideas that could significantly impact their business opportunities.
On May 17, Global UAV Technologies announced an LOI to acquire Easy SFOC. Please provide a brief outline of this company.
Easy SFOC is a web based business that provides easy access to rules and regulations for using a UAV. This is not only suited for the corporate customer but is also useful for the hobbyist. This is especially true with the evolving governmental rules and regulations.
In what ways will this acquisition enhance Global UAV’s operations and generate long-term shareholder value?
It provides Global UAV Technologies with people who are used to reading and interpreting rules and regulations, which will be very useful for the whole family of Global UAV Technologies’ companies.
On May 25, 2017, the Company announced its LOI for NOVAerial Robotics. What is the nature of this company’s operations?
NOVAerial Robotics is the designer and manufacturer of helicopter-style drones and is quickly becoming recognized for its unique design and simple-to-use, reliable operating system. They are less expensive than their closest competitor and the proprietary design is very robust.
NOVAerial is a very important acquisition for us. What excites me about this acquisition is the addition of Mr. Robert Lefebvre to our growing team. He is a renowned expert and has given speeches at several UAV conferences. In addition to that, Google picked him to act as a mentor for an international based UAV project through the summer.
What are Global UAV’s near-term plans as it continues its mission to be an industry consolidator in the UAV space?
We have stated that our mission is to grow the Company through organically growing our business through improved sales as well as acquisitions. With the closing of these two new acquisitions we will have four under our belt. We are continuing to look for more companies that fit our growth profile.
We have done this in a short period of time. We have shown that we can move quickly on an opportunity. This is our mission, period.
Please detail your long-term vision for the Company.
We plan on being the “go to” name in the UAV industry.
FULL DISCLOSURE: Global UAV Technologies Ltd is a paid client of Stockhouse Publishing.