Australia's WiseTech agrees to buy E2open for US$2.1 billion
[BENGALURU] Australian software company WiseTech Global on Monday (May 26) announced its biggest deal to date, buying out US cloud computing firm E2open for US$2.1 billion to broaden its product offerings.
The deal, which will be fully funded through a new US$3 billion debt facility underwritten by a syndicate of nine lenders including Deutsche Bank and HSBC, marks a significant bet by WiseTech on expanding its global footprint.
WiseTech, known for its flagship CargoWise platform, is offering US$3.30 per E2open share – a 24.5 per cent premium to the US company's last closing price.
Shares in WiseTech opened more than 5 per cent higher in Sydney and closed up 4.7 per cent at A$104.75.
The acquisition would significantly enhance WiseTech's software capabilities, adding solutions in supply chain planning, procurement, trade compliance, and channel management.
The acquisition also arrives at a pivotal moment for the Sydney-headquartered company.
Billionaire co-founder and largest shareholder Richard White stepped down as chief executive in October 2024 after media reports alleged payments to a former sexual partner, prompting reputational scrutiny and a steep sell-off in shares.
E2open has recently been facing worries around its growth trajectory amid heightened macroeconomic uncertainty.
The latest acquisition dwarfs WiseTech's previous deals, including the US$414 million purchase of Blume Global in 2023, and positions the firm more squarely within the broader enterprise logistics and supply chain tech landscape. REUTERS
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