Smartbox is pleased to announce the signing of an agreement to acquire Talk To Me Technologies (TTMT), one of the most trusted suppliers of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in the US. The acquisition is expected to be completed later this year, subject to closing conditions. The two companies will be joining forces, combining the expertise of more than 400 assistive technology specialists around the world.

Smartbox was founded in 2006 and is an established provider of AAC products including their flagship software, Grid.  Having grown their global footprint, they are now helping people who use their technology in more than 40 countries. Smartbox continues to help more people communicate around the world by uniting a group of client-focused AAC providers that will include Talk To Me Technologies in the US, and already includes REHAVISTA in Germany who joined the Smartbox family in 2021.

Like Smartbox, for more than 16 years, TTMT has been helping people with complex communication and access needs to live more independently. By combining Smartbox’s global experience with TTMT’s local knowledge and expertise, the two companies will be able to better serve people who use AAC and improve awareness of assistive technology in the US.

Smartbox’s existing US team, based in Pittsburgh, will be working collaboratively with TTMT to help provide a voice for more people. Research and Development teams based in the UK, US and Germany will work together to co-develop the next generation of AAC technology.

Smartbox and Talk To Me Technologies have shared values, taking a user-centred approach to the design and development of quality products and a commitment to the successful implementation of AAC. They also have a shared vision, where everyone can participate in society regardless of cognitive or physical disability. Collectively, both companies champion the belief that everyone has the right to communication and independence.

Dougal Hawes, Managing Director of the Smartbox Group commented: "We are thrilled that Talk To Me Technologies is joining the Smartbox Group. We have worked with the TTMT team as one of our trusted global partners for many years, but our new relationship means we can deliver much more for people who need technology to communicate, to have a voice.”

“With their wealth of clinical knowledge and experience, and our commitment to research, development and client care, our US customers will continue receiving the very best in support, training, and quality products. Together, we can achieve more for the people our organisations exist to serve.”

Smartbox and Talk To Me Technologies are joining forces under the direction of a unified US Executive Team, led by TTMT CEO Marty Gallagher, COO Kate Dunning and Chief Innovation Officer Matt Dunning, supported by the Leadership teams from Smartbox and TTMT.

“TTMT has been a Smartbox partner for many years, championing Grid as a flagship AAC platform, while continually developing excellent AAC products in the US, serving clients since 2006, and building on our trusted reputation,” said Gallagher. “Joining forces with Smartbox will enable us to continue to serve more people while maintaining our standard of outstanding service and support.”

“There is still so much more to do to help people who use assistive technology succeed,” commented Kate Dunning. “Being able to collaborate and innovate with another great set of minds in the industry is truly exciting and will certainly provide tremendous benefits for the clients we serve.”

“Combining the research and development teams of Smartbox and TTMT will push boundaries and raise the bar of expectations in the industry,” said Matt Dunning. “Being part of a growing global family that makes cutting-edge AAC is so exciting. We can't wait to get started."

The Smartbox Group has offices in the UK, US, and Germany. REHAVISTA, the leading AAC provider in Germany, has been part of the Smartbox family since 2021, introducing the Grid product family directly to customers across the country.

Smartbox, which started as a family-run company and continues to operate from Malvern and Bristol in the UK, is one of the fastest growing AAC providers globally, with Grid available in over 30 languages, and almost 20,000 people using their products across the world in the past year.

Smartbox is part of the CareTech Group, a UK company made up of more than 550 services providing specialist care and education for children and adults with complex needs.

Find out more by visiting: thinksmartbox.com/ttmt