DATA monitoring specialist Brulines has bought a vending machine software specialist to add to its growing stable of businesses.

The Stockton firm, which also develops and sells technology to measure the amount of beer sold in pubs and fuel in forecourts, paid an undisclosed sum for Oxford-based Lookout Solutions.

The move is the latest step in Brulines’ quest to create a market-leading company serving the global vending sector - a journey which started with its acquisition of Vianet in 2008.

A software application developed by Lookout for the vending industry will now be integrated into Vianet, which is aiming to create a one-stop data measuring shop for the sector.

As part of the recent acquisition, Lookout’s founder and MD Mark Boland has joined Vianet’s board as sales and marketing director.

Brulines chief executive James Dickson said: “I am delighted to welcome Mark Boland to Brulines.

“In addition to Lookout’s excellent vending management application completing our leading end-to-end solution for the sector, we gain a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the vending industry.

“This will prove invaluable as we continue to expand our presence and drive growth in the global vending market.”