Descartes Systems Group has acquired warehouse management and fulfilment software provider Extensiv in a deal worth approximately US$120 million, expanding its technology offering for third-party logistics providers and ecommerce fulfilment operations.
Announced yesterday, the acquisition adds Extensiv’s warehouse, inventory and order management capabilities to the Descartes Global Logistics Network.
Extensiv helps 3PLs better manage inventory, orders, B2B and B2C fulfillment. They also help with billing across a connected network of sales channels, ecommerce platforms, online marketplaces, and carriers.
Connecting warehouse and transport operations
The acquisition gives Descartes a broader position within the warehouse itself. It complements its existing transportation management, connectivity, visibility, customs compliance, trade intelligence and last-mile delivery technologies.
“3PLs are under constant pressure to fulfill faster, scale flexibly, and support the evolving needs of modern brands,” said Mikel Richardson, General Manager, Ecommerce Operations at Descartes. “Descartes has long been a trusted technology provider for 3PLs. Extensiv strengthens that position by adding more participants, more contextually rich operational data and fulfillment intelligence to the Descartes Global Logistics Network.”
Wider technology choice for 3PLs
The Extensiv deal reflects growing demand for platforms capable of coordinating increasingly complex fulfilment networks. 3PLs often handle inventory belonging to multiple customers. It can simultaneously support different sales channels, delivery services and B2B and consumer fulfilment models.
“We’re excited to welcome Extensiv’s customers, partners, and employees,” said Scott Sangster, General Manager, Logistics Services Providers at Descartes. “The combination of Extensiv with Descartes’ transportation, connectivity, visibility, trade intelligence, customs compliance, and last mile delivery solutions, enables logistics service providers to expand their offerings. It also helps to scale operations with a single technology provider versus a patchwork of vendors.”
Extensiv is headquartered in California and will become part of Descartes’ expanding portfolio of technology for logistics service providers.
