The Australian logistics software vendor WiseTech Global has agreed to pay $2.1 billion to acquire the Texas-based connected supply chain platform provider e2open, in a move it says evolves WiseTech’s vision to be the operating system for global trade and logistics.
According to WiseTech, buying e2open accelerates and deepens WiseTech’s plans to create a multi-sided marketplace connecting asset-based carriers, logistics providers, importers, exporters, shippers, and many other logistics and supply chain participants. In a statement, WiseTech Global’s founder, executive chair, and chief innovation officer, Richard White, said the deal would bring little overlap between the two companies’ customers, products, and markets. But rather, it centers on the interest of customers from the supply chain, global trade management, and direct importer, exporter, and shipper sectors.
A similar message came from Andrew Appel, e2open’s CEO, who said: “E2open and WiseTech have complementary products across transport, logistics, supply and demand ecosystems, and both organizations are committed to improving the efficiency, productivity and security of global supply chains through better use of technology, data, automation and artificial intelligence. This strategic combination empowers our people, and our customers who make, move, and sell goods and services to unlock new levels of efficiency and sustainability.”
The move marks the latest takeover for two companies that have set fast paces for merger and acquisition deals in recent years.
For example, when WiseTech bought the Swedish logistics solutions provider CargoIT in 2018, the deal followed takeovers of IFS Global Holdings, LSI Sigma Software, and Trinium Technologies. It then bought Xware AB in 2019, and added Envase Technologies and Blume Global in 2023.
And e2open bought Logistyx Technologies in 2022, shortly after consuming BluJay Solutions in 2021. It also acquired Amber Road in 2019, INTTRA and Cloud Logistics in 2018, Zyme and Steelwedge in 2017, and Terra Technology in 2016.
