Descartes Acquires Oceanwide Logistics

Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG), a global on-demand software-as-a-service (SaaS) logistics solutions provider, has acquired the logistics business of privately-held Oceanwide Inc. in an all-cash transaction.

Oceanwide's logistics business is focused on a web-based, hosted SaaS model suited for customs brokers and freight forwarders who choose to outsource rather than procure or manage traditional enterprise applications behind their own firewalls.

Oceanwide's logistics business provides:
•    Customs filing solutions, including new 10+2 compliant advanced manifest solutions, that enable importers, customs brokers, freight forwarders and carriers to comply with existing and emerging customs regulations
•    Automated customs broker interface (ABI) solutions that enable customs brokers and self-filing importers to collect, audit, and manage critical import information
•    Trade compliance solutions that enable shippers to audit the declarations made with customs authorities
•    Logistics management software that helps small- and medium-sized freight forwarders manage the international freight forwarding processes, including purchase order management, supply chain inventory management, event management and warehouse management.

The acquired logistics business employs approximately 45 people at offices in Montreal, Quebec and Miami, Florida. Descartes acquired all of Oceanwide's U.S. operations and certain Canadian assets and liabilities related to the logistics business. To complete the acquisition, net of working capital received, Descartes paid approximately $8.4m and incurred certain transaction expenses. In addition, Descartes granted an option to purchase 40,000 Descartes common shares with an exercise price of $2.8 to Jonathan Wasserman, former chief operating officer of Oceanwide and now Senior Vice President, Compliance Solutions at Descartes, which option, subject to the terms of the grant agreement, vests in equal annual installments over a period of five years from the date of the grant and expires seven years from the date of the grant.

(www.descartes.com)