Liverpool, UK, 21st October 2005. - Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) has sold its subsidiary company Telescope Technologies Limited, (TTL) to Las Cumbres Observatory Inc, (LCO), a US scientific and educational foundation established in 1992 by computer legend Wayne Rosing, Google's former Vice President of Engineering.

Established in 1996, TTL kick-started the UK’s ability to develop world-class robotic research telescopes, and designed and built the world's largest robotic telescope, the LJMU-owned Liverpool Telescope, located in La Palma, Canaries. The Liverpool Telescope has now been delivering front rank science to the UK and international communities fully robotically since late 2004. The Vice Chancellor of LJMU, Professor Michael Brown said: "Through TTL, the University was able to harness the research strengths of our Astrophysics Research Institute and make a breakthrough in astronomical technology by developing the world's largest robotic telescopes, which can monitor variable astronomical objects in a way not possible with other telescopes. He continued "We have achieved major success but now the time is right for TTL to move into the next exciting phase of its development. By selling TTL, we have ensured the long term viability of TTL and continued employment for its employees. LCO also has the financial resources to support the levels of investment needed to bring the astronomical ambition of developing a global network of telescopes one step closer to becoming a reality."

Wayne Rosing, who has had a keen interest in astronomy since his teens, explained: "LCO’s mission is simple - to advance the state of astronomical science and education for all humanity. We are engaged in building the first global professional grade networked astronomical observatory. Through TTL we are planning to design and build a further five robotic telescopes for key locations across the globe. We now have the resources to build and operate the network and turn LCO into a world-class scientific and educational institution. I am thrilled that TTL and the Liverpool John Moores University are going to be part of this most amazing journey."