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Tag: acquisition

Addverb and ABCO partner to offer advanced automation solutions

Posted on by David Priestman

Addverb, a leading automation solutions provider, has signed a strategic partnership with ABCO Systems, a full-service distribution solutions provider that specialises in streamlining warehousing operations. This strategic alliance combines Addverb’s innovative automation technology with ABCO’s storage and material handling equipment systems to offer best-in-class solutions for warehouse and fulfilment operations in consumer goods industries, including e-commerce, grocery, fashion, and lifestyle.

Addverb will supply its advanced robotics technology to ABCO Systems’ clients with a focus on optimising customers’ warehousing needs. The range and flexibility of Addverb product solutions will enable ABCO Systems’ customers to select the best structure for their specific needs, whether for a fully-automated operation or a system that will work in concert with existing manual processes. The expanded service for new and returning ABCO Systems customers will feature Addverb’s robots, including Quadron, Veloce, and Dynamo.

“Addverb has been leading the way in providing a solid suite of robotics and software to augment the supply chain technology space,” said Sriram Sridhar, Chief Revenue Officer, Americas at Addverb. “We are thrilled to start on this journey with ABCO to fuse our complementary strengths in solving the crippling labour and efficiency challenges that warehouses across the USA face.”

As the demand for faster delivery increases, with many customers desiring same-day or two-hour warehouse-to-door deliveries, companies are seeking micro fulfilment services that enable them to increase their speed and efficiency. By combining Addverb’s automation hardware (AMRs and AGVs) and software (WES, WMS, and FMS) with ABCO’s warehousing operations and material handling equipment systems, companies can maximise their storage capacity and increase pick speeds without compromising accuracy.

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Addverb,” said Seth Weisberg, CEO of ABCO Systems. “The partnership between ABCO and Addverb embodies the strategic growth of the industry of logistics and distribution through automation, and we look forward to incorporating Addverb’s technology into optimising solutions for our customers.”

Addverb’s partnership with ABCO Systems is the latest in a series of alliances formed that expands the deployment of Addverb’s cutting-edge mobile robots and integrated software solutions to US warehouses and fulfilment centres.

Blue Giant Equipment acquires Cormac Industrial

Posted on by David Priestman

Blue Giant Equipment Corporation, a leader in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of loading dock safety systems and ergonomic lifting solutions, has acquired controlling interest of prominent ergonomic lift assist solutions provider Cormac Industrial.

Located in Mexico, Cormac Industrial is a leading manufacturer and provider of innovative industrial ergonomic lift assist equipment, including air balancers, jib cranes, overhead enclosed monorail systems, pneumatic lift tables, and lift assist systems. Cormac has been providing engineered lift assist solutions for over 30 years, for companies including Magna, Cummins, Nemak, Volkswagen, Nissan, and Stellantis.

“As we expand our focus on providing ergonomic lift solutions, Cormac’s expertise and success in work cell and assembly line engineered ergonomic lift systems aligns perfectly with Blue Giant’s goals. We are excited to have Cormac as part of the Blue Giant family,” said Steve Barbosa, President, at Blue Giant.

James Patton, President, at Cormac Industrial, said: “We are excited about the energy and momentum we have with Blue Giant and the opportunities for growth. Together, we look forward to innovating and expanding our lift assist solutions and selling products globally that improve safety and productivity.”

Together with Cormac Industrial, Blue Giant plans to broaden its ergonomic lift solutions product portfolio within the US and Canadian markets through its extensive distribution network.

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Prologis makes €1.5bn European acquisition

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Prologis, Inc., a global leader in logistics real estate, has acquired a diverse portfolio of 128 logistics facilities and six new developments from leading last-mile operator Crossbay, adding a total of 1.14 million square metres of urban space to its European portfolio. The €1.585bn transaction, on behalf of Prologis European Logistics Fund (PELF), is in line with the fund’s investment strategy of increasing its urban infill real estate portfolio, which will be approximately 54% post-acquisition.

“This acquisition underscores our ongoing ability to provide our customers with quality urban logistics locations and opportunities beyond the real estate near highly populated areas that serve their growth needs,” says Ben Bannatyne, President, Prologis Europe. “With the ongoing growth of ecommerce, locations near dense population centres are becoming increasing important to our customers.”

Key Infill Locations

These properties – located in the key European markets and population centres – will allow Prologis to support their customers’ needs. The acquired properties are in:

  • Italy (Rome and Milan)
  • Netherlands (Amsterdam and Rotterdam)
  • Spain (Madrid and Barcelona)
  • Germany (Nuremberg and Berlin)
  • France (Paris)
  • Belgium (Brussels)
  • Poland (Lodz)

Close to major city centres, about 85% of these new properties can service areas with a population of more than one million in approximately 30 minutes. The facilities are 95% occupied and expands Prologis’ customer base with more than 100 new customers.

“To have achieved the sale at the values agreed, despite the increasingly challenging macro-economic circumstances, is a reflection of the portfolio’s quality and enables us to crystallise strong returns for our investors,” says Marcus Meijer, CEO of MARK, the €10bn pan-European investment manager behind Crossbay.

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Sphera to acquire AI SCRM expert

Posted on by David Priestman

Sphera, a leading global provider of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance and risk management software, data and consulting services, has entered into an agreement to acquire riskmethods, a Munich, Germany-based, award-winning software company specialising in supply chain risk management (SCRM).

Founded in 2013, riskmethods’ software as a service (SaaS) solution harnesses cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), big data and machine learning to protect its customers’ supply chain networks. Its software platform collects supplier data and real-time information, distinguishes critical signals from “noise” and provides users with detailed status of suppliers, so they can prevent business disruption risk before it materializes and achieve supply chain transparency.

“riskmethods’ cloud-based software identifies, analyzes and helps mitigate all types of supply chain risk, including monitoring sustainability practices and ESG compliance in the supply chain. Their innovative approach to SCRM bolsters Sphera’s capabilities in offering a Scope 3 emissions monitoring and reporting solution and furthers our mission of creating a safer, more sustainable and productive world,” said Paul Marushka (pictured), Sphera’s president and CEO. “And their presence in Europe and the US reinforces our ability to serve our expanding global customer base.”

The company’s SCRM software solution is a robust tool for managing risk in increasingly complex supply chains, as well as handling ever-expanding regulatory compliance. With global companies operating in a world of disruption and turbulence—pandemics and climate change, to name a few—riskmethods offers real-time SCRM solutions that enable businesses to proactively manage potential supply chain risks and comply with emerging operational and ESG regulations.

“For the last 10 years, riskmethods has been empowering businesses to master supply chain risk and create reliable supply networks,” said Heiko Schwarz, riskmethods’ CEO and founder. “Adding our advanced AI and machine-learning SCRM software solution to Sphera’s product portfolio will enable us to further our reach across the globe and help even more customers manage supply chain risk. We are excited to join the Sphera family of leading ESG software, data and consulting solutions.”

Kelly Wannop, Managing Director at Blackstone, said, “Blackstone’s 2021 investment in Sphera reflected our conviction in Sphera’s ESG mission and growth. The planned acquisition of riskmethods further demonstrates our commitment to helping Sphera expand their operational ESG solutions.” Eli Nagler, a Senior Managing Director at Blackstone, continued, “We are excited to welcome riskmethods to Sphera and eager to extend their SCRM solutions to even more customers.”

Sustainability in transport: Transporeon acquires Tracks

Posted on by David Priestman

Transporeon, a leading Transportation Management Platform, announced today the acquisition of Tracks, a Berlin-based start-up with the mission to decarbonise the transport industry. Founded in 2018, Tracks is a carbon visibility tool providing data solutions to monitor and manage carbon emissions across all transport modes. To do this, the company uses AI-based analytics and prediction tools to enable shippers, carriers and logistics service providers to collect and optimise emissions data at source.

Transporeon has made it its mission to lead the way in sustainability in the transport industry. The company has stepped up its investments over the past 12 months to pave the way to climate-neutral commercial transport. In early 2022, Transporeon launched its Carbon Visibility Solution as the tool of choice to precisely measure and report on CO2 emissions across the entire supply chain and all transport modalities.
In 2021 Transporeon entered into a partnership with EcoTransIT, a long-standing expert in the calculation of greenhouse gas emissions. EcoTransIT focus on a high-end, bottom-up calculation based on granular, science-driven industry default values. Adding Tracks’ expertise in the use of primary data to calculate emissions perfectly complements this existing partnership.

With Transporeon’s acquisition of Tracks coupled with its existing partnership with EcoTransIT, its customers will benefit from an enhanced offering that allows them to set realistic CO2 reduction targets, for themselves as well as their suppliers and customers, and define improvements against those targets. This combined carbon visibility capability is unique and offers the most accurate insight into emissions available on the market thus enabling customers access to an ever more detailed and actionable calculation. The combination of primary data with default calculations delivers insight into fuel or energy type and corresponding consumption which is critical to implementing measures to reducing one’s footprint.

“We are excited to welcome the Tracks team to Transporeon. Combining Tracks ‘know how’ about primary data and their AI based analytics capabilities with our existing carbon visibility solution will provide added value to all customers in our network”, says Stephan Sieber, CEO of Transporeon. “Tracks has built a strong product facilitating automated emissions management.”

“Transporeon’s acquisition of Tracks will have an immediate impact on the entire freight transport ecosystem,” said Tracks CEO, Jakob Muus. “Transporeon’s ‘move, manage and monitor’ dovetails perfectly with Tracks’ ‘measure, manage and mitigate,’ and the union will further empower companies worldwide to meet their sustainability targets by giving freight transport buyers and sellers the tools to become greener and more efficient. I am looking forward to Tracks becoming part of the Transporeon family.”

Digitisation of supply chain continues to be a driver to bring transportation in sync with the world. Sustainable initiatives such as carbon visibility calculation, tracking and reduction is a key factor in this ongoing quest. In this context, the acquisition of Tracks is a logical addition to Transporeon’s Carbon Visibility solution with the goal to benefit all parties in the network to Net Zero Logistics.

UPS acquires healthcare logistics provider

Posted on by Keith McKinley

UPS is to acquire Bomi Group, an industry-leading multinational healthcare logistics provider. The transaction will add temperature-controlled facilities in 14 countries and nearly 3,000 highly-skilled Bomi Group team members to the UPS Healthcare network in Europe and Latin America.

“As a leading global healthcare logistics company, Bomi enhances our portfolio of services and accelerates our journey to become the number one provider of complex healthcare logistics,” said EVP and President of UPS International, Healthcare and Supply Chain Solutions Kate Gutmann. “UPS Healthcare and Bomi Group employees share similar values and our cultures are firmly rooted in a relentless focus on quality. The combination of our two teams will significantly improve our healthcare customers’ ability to continue to develop and deliver life-saving innovations.”

Since 1985, Bomi Group has provided high value-added services for the Medtech and Pharma sectors with a customised and tailored approach. It is a quality-focused company devoted to healthcare that has built solid and long-lasting business relationships with more than 150 multinational customers worldwide.

Key Bomi Group leaders, including CEO Marco Ruini, will continue in their roles to provide seamless service to Bomi Group customers after the transaction closes. Bomi Group’s employees will also continue to play vital roles in the combined organisation.

“With over 35 years in the healthcare logistics industry, our team has developed best-in-class services designed to meet and exceed the needs of our medical technology and pharmaceutical customers,” said Ruini. “Joining the UPS team will expand those capabilities and create an even more integrated and smart global network for our customers.”

The acquisition will add more than 350 temperature-controlled vehicles and 391,000 sq m to the UPS Healthcare global footprint, offering customers access to faster shipping times, greater production flexibility, and offerings to help them attract new business. The acquisition will play a key role in the delivery of next-generation pharmaceutical and biologic treatments that increasingly require time-critical and temperature-sensitive logistics.

“We are focused on building healthcare logistics capabilities and services that allow our customers to deliver the newest healthcare innovations,” said UPS Healthcare President Wes Wheeler. “We are excited to combine Bomi’s talent, expertise and capabilities with UPS Healthcare – together, we will provide unmatched solutions to our customers, powered by UPS’s integrated, global smart logistics network.”

The acquisition of Bomi is part of UPS Healthcare’s continued expansion of its network and services to meet growing demand – including Bomi, UPS Healthcare has doubled its global footprint since 2020. Recent expansions include newly constructed and soon-to-be-opened dedicated state-of-the-art healthcare logistics facilities in Germany and Australia, and expanded campuses in Hungary and the Netherlands.

UPS Healthcare also recently enhanced UPS Premier, a technology-led service that can prioritise and track critical shipments within about three meters of their location anywhere in UPS’s global network. UPS Premier brings worldwide visibility, control, reliability and product recovery capabilities to UPS Healthcare customers.

These expansions and new services meet the complex and varied needs of UPS Healthcare’s customers, helping them turn logistics into a competitive advantage.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2022, subject to customary regulatory review and approval. The value and terms of the transaction are not being disclosed at this time.

 

Forterro Expands with Acquisition of Wise Software

Posted on by David Priestman

Forterro, a European provider of software solutions to more than 10,000 small and midsized industrial companies, today announced its acquisition of Wise Software (UK) Ltd (OrderWise), a provider of ERP software solutions for industrial companies with retail, wholesale, ecommerce, and distribution requirements. OrderWise’s specialised, highly-integrated financials, order management, Point of Sale (POS), warehouse management (WMS), transportation management (TMS) and ecommerce solutions are used by nearly 1,000 clients throughout the United Kingdom.

OrderWise will significantly expand Forterro’s northern Europe region, with the product representing the group’s fourth largest revenue stream and fourth largest customer base. The acquisition marks Forterro’s second in the UK, following its acquisition of 123insight a year ago. It also serves as Forterro’s inaugural acquisition under its new owners Partners Group, a leading global private markets firm, acting on behalf of its clients.

“We warmly welcome OrderWise, its people and customers,” said Dean Forbes, CEO of Forterro. “OrderWise and its products are a perfect fit with the Forterro vision and cements our position as the leading provider of software solutions for the industrial SMEs of Europe.”

Richard Furby, president of Forterro Northern Europe and group M&A, agreed. “Forterro’s portfolio of solutions for the midmarket manufacturing sector comprises a diverse range of local and vertical industry solutions. OrderWise has a core strength in the UK warehousing and distribution spaces, which when added to our acquisition last year of DACH-focused myfactory, means we now serve the needs of over 5,000 European customers in these two niches alone.”

David Hallam, founder of OrderWise, will transition out of the business. He will be handing over to his well established leadership team to work with Forterro on the next phase of growth for OrderWise. “This is a bittersweet moment for me,” said Hallam, who coded the first version of the OrderWise system just a few years after completing college. “It will be one of my life’s greatest achievements to have built a business that has been able to help so many UK companies grow and thrive.”

He continued: “The past two years have been our strongest to date. As we close in on another year of double-digit revenue growth and finalise the development of our browser-based version, OrderWise is in an ideal position for new ownership. I have been searching for a partner that would take this company to the next level, while allowing us to stay true to our roots and continue taking care of our customers. I am pleased to say that Forterro is that partner.”

M&S acquires Gist

Posted on by David Priestman

Marks and Spencer Group plc has announced it is to acquire Gist Limited, the principal contract logistics provider to M&S Food, from Storeshield Limited, a subsidiary of The BOC Group Limited.

M&S Food says it has restored an industry-leading position in volume growth over the past four years, developed bigger stores and entered new channels through the investment in Ocado Retail and through franchise partnerships, including over 2,500 Costa stores. However, there is a substantial opportunity to create a more efficient and effective supply chain through investment in the network to reduce the cost to serve, update legacy systems and improve automation.

Gist provides the majority of M&S Food logistics services via a network of eight primary and 10 secondary distribution centres located across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, including a number of freehold warehouses. The existing arrangement has a higher cost legacy contract which expires in 2027. The acquisition will generate immediate benefits to M&S through the elimination of contractual fees and costs and the implementation of aligned operational processes. Through acquiring Gist, M&S can also take control of and invest in the network, building on the successful implementation of its “Vangarde” supply chain optimisation programme.

Under the transaction, M&S is acquiring the entire share capital of Gist for an initial consideration of £145m in cash. A further amount of £85m plus interest will be payable in cash from the proceeds of the intended onward disposal of freehold properties or, at the latest, on the third anniversary of completion. An additional profit share from the disposal proceeds of up to £25m plus interest will be payable under certain conditions. M&S has the ability to retain the freehold properties should it wish to do so in which case the full amount of £110m plus interest will be payable.

The Gist business being acquired generated a proforma EBITDA of c.£55m in the year ended December 2021, with the majority of profit reflecting management fees recharged to M&S under contractual arrangements, which will be eliminated upon consolidation to M&S. The transaction is expected to be earnings enhancing in its first full year and will be funded through existing cash reserves.

Stuart Machin, M&S Chief Executive, said: “M&S has been tied to a higher cost legacy contract, limiting both our incentive to invest and our growth. The last two years have shown what can be achieved by working collaboratively alongside our partners at Gist. This has given me confidence that now is the time to take action and remove an impediment to our growth. We have therefore acted decisively to acquire Gist, taking control of our Food supply chain for the first time in our history. This is the first step in a multi-year plan which will transform the entire supply chain.”

Gist also provides a limited number of logistics services for third parties, as well as freight forwarding for BOC. Its food service division will remain with BOC post-completion, with appropriate transitional service agreements in place to ensure business continuity. Gist has approximately 5,800 employees, led by an experienced management team, including CEO Michael Chambers who will continue to lead the business and report to the Commercial Director of M&S Food.

 

Face Consultants boosts presence in Spain with acquisition

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Face Consultants Ltd and Qualidal have acquired Eurostick S.L., Spain’s market leader in the testing, consulting, and on-site supervision of industrial floors for the logistics sector. Face Consultants, part of the CoGri Group of companies, is a global flooring consultant providing design, surveying, and testing for industrial and commercial concrete flooring. Qualidal, part of Flat Ingenierie, is the market leader in France for independent control and consulting in industrial slabs.

Face Consultants and Qualidal’s joint venture, through their respective group companies, will bring an extended range of flooring services under the Eurostick name. Based in Madrid, the new partnership will provide extended floor flatness testing, design, and consultancy services. Also, floor repairs, and upgrading flatness of very narrow aisle and automated warehouses for the latest robotics systems.

“We are delighted to be establishing an even stronger presence in Spain, collaborating with Qualidal to bring a full range of flooring services, from floor design through to the upgrading of existing floors,” said Kevin Dare (pictured, second left), Face Consultants Managing Director. “I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Beth and Ignacio Sánchez Salinero of Eurostick, S.L., for their partnership with us over the previous 20-plus years. Beth and Ignacio will retain the functions of director at Eurostick and ensure the continuity of the projects.

“E-commerce in Spain remains one of the key drivers of logistics. The purchase and leasing of warehouse space across Spain have increased considerably compared to the pre-pandemic levels of 2019. Market surveys suggest that a higher level of quality logistics facilities is now being built.

“However, floor flatness is often something that many do not consider until they explore automated systems or sophisticated materials handling equipment, and sometimes not until after they have acquired it. Just because your building is newly built or refurbished doesn’t mean the floor is ‘fit for purpose’.”

Dare concludes: “Face Consultants and Qualidal have many years of experience in testing and upgrading concrete floors to ensure they are suitable for your warehouse operations. We are delighted to provide these services throughout Spain and beyond.”

Eurostick’s head office will remain in Madrid, but the address will be changing in the next few weeks. Ignacio and Beth’s roles and responsibilities will devolve over the next 12 to 24 months. A new General Manager has been engaged to head up Eurostick and an announcement regarding this will be made soon.

The incoming General Manager has stated: “I am excited to be working with Kevin Dare at Face Consultants and Marc Pestel-Debord at Qualidal under the Eurostick name. Also, to be able to tap into the wealth of knowledge gained over many years by these highly regarded companies. It means that we can provide an extended range of flooring services to the Spanish warehouse marketplace during a time of considerable retail and e-Commerce change.”

Körber acquires Siemens Logistics’ parcel business

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The international technology group Körber has successfully completed of the acquisition of Siemens Logistics’ global mail and parcel business and has moved the of headquarters of its Business Area Supply Chain to Constance, Germany.

Siemens Logistics’ mail and parcel business is a market-leading solution provider for cutting-edge mail and parcel technology, automation and advanced software and serves the leading global logistics providers.

Siemens Logistics’ mail and parcel business will be one of the core businesses of the Körber Group. It will accelerate the Group’s growth prospects and complements its market offering as a global partner to the supply chain and e-commerce industry. Therefore, Körber Supply Chain’s headquarters will relocate from Bad Nauheim to Constance. Bringing the corresponding expertise together will further position Körber’s Business Area Supply Chain as a global leader for end-to-end supply chain technology.

Thanks to its complementary positioning, the mail and parcel business fits seamlessly into Körber’s existing supply chain offering and enables fast integration, ensuring business continuity. Customers and businesses worldwide will benefit from the Group’s expertise as a global partner ranging from single solutions to large-scale projects and intelligent hubs up to complete software solutions and entire ecosystems.

The parcel automation market is expected to grow double digit annually in the coming years. The rise in e-commerce and changing consumer behaviour continue to drive demand for automation and digitisation throughout the entire supply chain, and especially in parcel processing. Parcel volumes have increased rapidly. At the same time, demands are increasing in terms of delivery, shorter transportation times and sustainability.

Rami Jokela, Member of the Group Executive Board at Körber AG and Chief Sales Officer, says: “I’m very pleased to extend our core businesses with Siemens Logistics’ mail and parcel business. We will invest in this business and its solutions to support existing and new customers to meet rising new market needs and demands in sustainable supply chains and customer experience.”

“We are thrilled to move our headquarters to Constance, bringing the teams together. By combining our knowledge and passion for cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions, we are convinced that we will be market leader in end-to-end supply chain execution and system integration and shape the future of global supply chains together,” adds Dirk Hejnal, Chief Executive Officer at Körber Business Area Supply Chain.

Thomas Amend, CEO of Siemens Logistics’ mail and parcel business, emphasises: “We are delighted to become a strong part of Körber’s supply chain business. The two companies’ knowledge and solutions as well as the regional structures are a perfect fit. I am sure that we can make a significant contribution to strengthen Körber’s position on the way to become a global leading supplier for end-to-end supply chain technology.”

Körber will offer more integrated and automised solutions that ensure end-to-end connectivity, real-time visibility, speed, and adaptability at efficient costs. By incorporating technological innovations like artificial intelligence, robotics, as well as advanced warehouse automation and blockchain technology, Körber will further empower customers to better predict future trends and is well on track to become market leader in end-to-end supply chain execution and integration.

 

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