NEW YORK – October 7, 2025 –MidOcean Partners (“MidOcean”), a premier New York-based alternative asset manager specializing in middle-market private equity, alternative credit, and structured equity, today announced that Smith System, a global leader in driver safety training and risk management based on the proven Smith5Keys®, has acquired Utilimarc, a Minneapolis-based leader in fleet analytics and benchmarking. Together, the companies create the industry's most comprehensive platform—unifying world-class driver training with deep fleet analytics to deliver safer, smarter, and more cost-efficient operations.
Founded in 2001, Utilimarc has developed a powerful business intelligence platform that integrates data across telematics, fleet management information systems (FMIS), maintenance software, and safety cameras. By combining these insights with Smith System's training and driver risk expertise, customers gain a single partner to improve driver behavior, optimize fleet assets, and validate measurable performance gains.
"This acquisition redefines what it means to be a fleet safety partner," said Derek Dunaway, CEO of Smith System. "For the first time, organizations can connect driver training with fleet-wide analytics in one platform. That means our clients don't just get data or training in isolation—they get a closed loop that measures performance, drives behavior change, and proves ROI."
"Joining forces with Smith System allows us to take analytics further than ever before," said Chris Shaffer, CEO of Utilimarc. "Together, we set a new standard for the industry and deliver real-world impact—safer fleets, smarter asset decisions, and long-term cost savings. This is a win for our customers and the industry at large."
Uniting industry leading training with deep driver and fleet analytics
With both companies now operating as one, customers benefit from:
- Enhancing the 5Keys with Deep Fleet Analytics: A closed-loop solution that connects driver behavior, operational data, and benchmarking—delivering improvements that are both measurable and sustainable.
- One Source for Safer, Smarter Fleets: A unified view of drivers, vehicles, and operations that enables precise interventions, cost reductions, and stronger compliance outcomes.
- A Broader Data + Safety Ecosystem: Building on Smith System's recent Brightmile acquisition, the combined company brings together mobile telematics, advanced analytics, and behavior-based training into one seamless platform—further tightening the connection between data insight and driver safety.
The combined company now stands alone in the market: no other provider integrates analytics, benchmarking, telematics, and behavior-based training into a single solution. This unique positioning strengthens Smith System's role as both a pioneer in driver safety and a technology-driven partner at the center of modern fleet operations.
About Smith System
Smith System is a global leader in driver safety training and risk management. Founded in 1952, the company has trained millions of drivers worldwide using its proven Smith5Keys® methodology. Today, Smith delivers a full suite of behind-the-wheel training, eLearning, mobile applications, and analytics tools designed to reduce risk, lower costs, and save lives. Smith System is a portfolio company of MidOcean Partners, a New York-based alternative asset manager.
About Utilimarc
Utilimarc is a Minneapolis-based fleet analytics company providing a cloud-based platform that unifies telematics, maintenance, and operational data to deliver actionable insights. Recognized as a leader in utility fleet benchmarking, Utilimarc empowers fleets to optimize costs, improve safety, and prepare for the transition to electric vehicles.
