Dynamic simulation attractions maker Simworx said it has acquired RoboCoaster, a UK-based robotic attractions specialist, after receiving £4.5m (US$7m, €6.5m) in investment from the Business Growth Fund (BGF).

"I am delighted to formalise our working relationship with RoboCoaster who have access to some amazing technology" said Terry Monkton, Simworx managing director. The two companies have been working in partnership for the past two years.

Simworx and RoboCoaster plan to together focus on the design and manufacture of a next generation of dark ride and robotic attractions, adding to their existing portfolios.

This includes, for Simworx, Angry Birds 4D at Thorpe Park in the UK and a dinosaur-themed immersive tunnel at Movie Park in Germany. Most recently, Simworx built the bus-themed motion simulator central to Merlin Entertainment’s newly opened Shrek attraction in London.

RoboCoaster will continue to develop intellectual property (IP)  for  use  in  passenger -carrying robotic technology  and  trackless  dark  rides. Managing director Gino DeGol will retain his position.

"The RoboCoaster mission has always been to pioneer new technologies in the field of entertainment and  we  have  now  amassed  a  significant  bank  of  IP  and  knowhow  for  new  applications," said DeGOl. "I very  much  look  forward  to  bringing  all  of  our  next  generation  technologies to market." 

Investment partner BGF, backed by capital of up to £2.5bn (US$3.9bn, €3.6bn), said it was keen to support the takeover of two companies who support local business and are simultaneously global innovators.

Simworx plans to use the remaining equity to double the size of its West Midlands production plant and facilities, and hire up to 20 more staff.