TWO software engineering companies have linked up in a £5 million deal.

Planit Holdings, Ashford, remains on track to achieve its ambition of global growth after snapping up Pathtrace, a Reading-based company with operations in the United States and Japan.

Planit, a design and manufacturing computer software developer, has its headquarters on Eureka Science and Business Park. It is listed on the Alternative Investment Market.

It was particularly interested in Pathtrace because of the EdgeCAM specialist engineering software package.

Vertex Law, based in Kings Hill, West Malling, advised Planit throughout the cash transaction. It is the fourth acquisition handled by the law firm that was set up less than two years ago.

Stuart Butler-Gallie led the Vertex Law team. He said: "The ease with which we were able to bring Pathrace into the Planit Holdings fold reflects the level of confidence held within the specialist engineering software sector in Planit’s own focus on its blueprint for growth and evolution.

"Vertex Law is proud to be associated with Planit’s continued success."

Bryan Pryce of Planit Holdings added: "The acquisition of Pathtrace advances our position as a provider of global software solutions for the manufacturing sector, enhancing our product range and offering significant additional global distribution."

He paid tribute to Vertex Law. "Their knowledge of our strategies and systems makes them key members of our team in fulfilling our plans."