Atlanta-based Numerex, a provider of “smart” software and gadgets that allow machines to communicate with each other without human involvement, said it will acquire Omnilink Systems Inc., another metro Atlanta “M2M” company, for $37.5 million.

Numerex said the acquisition will allow it to expand products and services to security and safety, tracking and monitoring markets.

Numerex's technology links machines so they can be tracked over a network. Vending and other machines, for example, can send reports when supplies are low or other problems arise. (Read Numerex Chairman and CEO Stratton Nicolaides' discussion on machine-to-machine technology on MYAJC.com.)

Omnilink’s technology includes electronic monitoring, asset tracking and personal tracking. The company had nearly $13 million in sales last year.

Numerex said it will fund the deal through cash on hand and a $25 million loan from Silicon Valley Bank.

The deal is expected to close within 30 days.