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Highlights
Catapult Group International (ASX:CAT) acquires MIT spinout Perch, a US-based athlete monitoring firm
Perch technology integrates 3D camera systems with computer vision and AI for real-time gym-based performance feedback
CAT shares move lower in morning trade following transaction announcement
Catapult Group International (ASX:CAT), a company listed on the ASX 200, operates in the sports technology sector, providing performance and analytics solutions to athletic organisations globally. The firm made headlines with the acquisition of US-based startup Perch, a spinout from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This development brought early market reaction, as shares in Catapult experienced a decline during the morning session.
Catapult Finalises Deal with MIT-Founded Perch
Catapult completed the acquisition of Perch, a business specialising in athlete monitoring through artificial intelligence and computer vision. The deal involves an upfront payment using existing reserves, with additional tranches to be settled through equity over a structured period. Further incentives tied to business performance may be issued in future years if contractual benchmarks are met.
Perch, which began operations in the mid-2010s, has developed a system that leverages 3D camera technologies to automate the monitoring of strength-based athletic training. Its computer vision capabilities are trained using data from a wide user base, with applications across professional and elite sporting environments.
Technology Integration and Strategic Goals
The strategic alignment between Catapult and Perch is aimed at enhancing Catapult’s existing offerings in its Performance & Health vertical. According to the company’s leadership, the goal is to establish a unified system that monitors athletes both during on-field play and in off-field training environments. Perch’s proprietary system enables real-time feedback for strength training without requiring manual input, reducing administrative overhead for coaches and training staff.
Perch’s system is compatible with various gym environments and focuses on improving data accuracy, training efficiency, and athlete safety. Its ability to operate autonomously adds value in professional sports where timely and precise feedback is critical.
Market Reaction and Index Movement
The broader share market traded with caution, and Catapult's announcement coincided with a fall in its share price during early trade. Despite strong gains in previous months, the announcement of a large expenditure associated with the Perch acquisition appeared to weigh on sentiment during morning transactions.
Elsewhere, movements in the technology segment of the ASX 200 remained mixed, reflecting broader uncertainty and subdued performance in select high-growth sectors. The tech-heavy components of the index tracked global peers as traders assessed new developments across international markets.
Product Expansion and Global Reach
The integration of Perch’s gym-focused AI system complements Catapult’s core suite of performance tracking tools, which are widely used by professional sporting teams. This includes GPS trackers, video analysis platforms, and athlete monitoring dashboards. The Perch system expands Catapult’s coverage from match-day environments into strength and conditioning programs.
The acquisition also marks a deepening of Catapult’s footprint in North America, aligning with its efforts to support sports organisations in the United States and other international regions. The athlete monitoring market continues to grow as professional sports bodies invest in data-driven performance infrastructure.
Catapult Group International (ASX:CAT) aims to deliver comprehensive athletic performance systems, and the inclusion of Perch further builds out its end-to-end ecosystem. As product development continues, the sports tech company will likely seek further enhancements to its suite through advanced AI and hardware integrations.
