ClanTect identifies new growth opportunities with sale to 3DX-Ray

Human presence detection company ClanTect has entered a new phase of growth following its sale to security technology specialist 3DX-Ray.

Founded in 2016, ClanTect is a developer of technology which utilises advanced vibration sensing and signal processing techniques to detect concealed individuals within vehicles, containers and other enclosed spaces.

Originally developed at the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research at the University of Southampton, ClanTect’s technology has been successfully deployed in border security, custodial and critical infrastructure environments. It supports the detection of illegal migration, people smuggling and unauthorised access to secure locations.

In a transaction advised by Joe Darbyshire, KBS Corporate Deal Executive, ClanTect was sold to Loughborough-based 3DX-Ray, a global market and technology leader in X-ray imaging systems for security and industrial inspection. K3 Tax Advisory, a fellow K3 Advisory Group company, also advised ClanTect.

The transaction brings together ClanTect’s technology with 3DX-Ray’s established engineering capabilities, manufacturing expertise and extensive international customer network. 

“Having spent more than 15 years developing the science behind the technology and building the foundations of the business, I am delighted to see ClanTect become part of an organisation with the resources, engineering expertise and international reach needed to accelerate its growth,” said Professor Stephen Daley, founder of ClanTect. 

“We’ve achieved a great deal with a small team and believe the combination with 3DX-Ray creates an exciting opportunity to take the technology to new customers, new territories and new applications.

“I’m particularly pleased that the technology will continue to evolve and support security operators facing increasingly complex challenges.”

The sale provides ClanTect with immediate access to a global distribution network operating across more than 85 countries, and positions the company to reach new customers and markets that would previously have been difficult to access.

“ClanTect has developed a highly innovative and proven detection technology that perfectly complements our existing security portfolio,” said Vincent Deery, CEO of 3DX-Ray.

“We see significant opportunities to expand its deployment through our international partner network and to introduce the technology to customers already familiar with the 3DX-Ray brand. 

“Our ambition is to build on the strong foundations established by the ClanTect team and accelerate adoption across border security, critical infrastructure, custodial and other specialist security markets worldwide.”

Written by

Jon Wilde

Senior Content Specialist

Jon Wilde is a Senior Content Specialist at KBS Corporate, specialising in business sales, mergers and acquisitions, exit planning and corporate finance. Since joining the group in 2023, he has researched and written extensively on topics including private equity, Employee Ownership Trusts, due diligence, business valuation, tax considerations and M&A market trends. Drawing on insights from experienced advisers, dealmakers and industry specialists, Jon produces research-led content for business owners and also reviews content across the website to help maintain editorial quality, accuracy and consistency.