Christchurch’s tech sector is set for a major boost as Jade Software confirms plans to buy fellow Christchurch company Contec Group International, a global player in dairy supply chain technology.
Jade has signed an agreement to acquire Contec, which builds the MADCAP software platform used by some of the biggest dairy processors in the world. The deal is due to settle on 28 November 2025, subject to final conditions.
Jade Software chief executive Justin Mercer said the acquisition will lift the company’s annual revenue by up to 25 percent and bring about 50 Contec staff into the business, increasing Jade’s workforce to more than 300 across New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.
Christchurch will remain the company’s main base.
MADCAP is used to manage the movement of milk from farms to factories, plan tanker routes, test milk quality and calculate payments to farmers. It already supports six of the ten largest dairy processors worldwide, including Nestle, Land O Lakes and Saputo.
Mercer said the aim is to grow MADCAP’s presence even further in global dairy markets.
Contec managing director Tama Haas said Jade had been closely involved with the company since its early years, making the Christchurch firm a natural buyer.
Contec has spent more than twenty five years developing its technology and supporting major dairy companies overseas and in New Zealand.
Mercer said the deal represents a significant moment for Christchurch technology companies, with two long standing local firms now joining forces to compete internationally.
Jade also plans to invest further in adjacent technology markets by building on its existing software products, including Jade ThirdEye which is used by banks and financial institutions to identify suspicious activity across millions of transactions.
Mercer said the acquisition will allow Jade to expand its work in agriculture and grow new export opportunities.
“It is an exciting time for Jade as we continue to invest, grow and take New Zealand technology to the world,” he said.
