"Trimble (TRMB) and FARO (FARO) announced today that they have signed an OEM and distribution agreement for 3D laser scanners. Under the agreement, FARO will provide Trimble with an OEM differentiated product based upon its successful FARO Laser Scanner Focus3D platform. Trimble will offer the OEM product throughout its worldwide survey and building construction distribution networks, serving the needs of surveyors, contractors, engineers and geospatial professionals. As part of the strategic relationship, future versions of the FARO Laser Scanner Focus3D platform will also be made available to Trimble."

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/trimble-faro-sign-oem-distribu...

At revenues of $1.6 billion per year, Trimbles looks like a good partner to get FARO product into new areas.

"Trimble is a leading provider of advanced location-based solutions that maximize productivity and enhance profitability. The Company integrates its positioning expertise in GPS, laser, optical and inertial technologies with application software, wireless communications, and services to provide complete commercial solutions. Trimble serves a variety of industries including agriculture, engineering and construction, transportation and wireless communications infrastructure. The Company's portfolio of over 1,800 patents is the basis for the broadest positioning solutions portfolio in the industry."

http://www.trimble.com/corporate/about_at_glance.aspx

Ed