SOUTHBANK Systems in Chatham Maritime has been bought by New York-based, American corporate MapInfo in a £11.7m deal.

MapInfo provides geographical management solutions in 60 countries. Southbank Systems produces software packages for public sector clients, including Medway and Maidstone councils, construction and engineering clients and environmental companies. The software allows the management of roads, parks, streetlights.

MapInfo says all 74 jobs at the Chatham firm are safe and that both Southbank Systems and its subsidiary company, Moleseye Limited, will continue to operate as they have done.

Southbank Systems managing director Mr Lucien D'Sa keeps his position and said of the deal: "I am delighted that MapInfo Corporation chose to invest in the continued development and expansion of our business. Together, we now offer complementary products, services and other capabilities."

David Flower, Vice President of MapInfo Europe, Middle East and Africa added: "Southbank Systems will provide further strength to our offerings in some key business domains where the power of location information is paramount.

"In our opinion Southbank Systems sits at the pinnacle of companies offering these capabilities in the public sector - one of our largest markets in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

"Southbank Systems customers can expect the continued enhancement of existing products plus an array of new and more powerful offerings in the future."