E2open to acquire Amber Road

E2open – a provider of cloud-based networked supply chain solutions – is set to acquire Amber Road, a leading player in cloud-based global trade management software, trade content and training. The combination of E2open and Amber Road will allow customers to operate their entire end-to-end supply chain – from sourcing and manufacturing to global trade management, logistics, distribution and omni-channel operations – from one place in the cloud.

E2open’s portfolio of applications enables the world’s most complex supply chains to better plan, collaborate and execute their end-to-end operations. Many major brands, manufacturers and logistics operators across a range of industries use the E2open network and platform to orchestrate their global supply chains, creating significant efficiencies. Meanwhile, Amber Road’s cloud-based global trade management (GTM) platform helps companies across all industries to digitize their supply chain with rich solutions across sourcing, global logistics and trade compliance based on a digital repository of global trade rules and regulations across 170 countries. Amber Road also maintains a network of global trade partners including suppliers, product testing firms, transportation carriers, forwarders, brokers and other customs regimes to promote collaboration and streamline end-to-end processes.

Accelerated innovation

“The combination of E2open’s supply chain and logistics technologies with Amber Road’s global trade management platform will allow customers to more fully digitize their operations and better compete in global markets. The deal will also deliver an excellent return for Amber Road’s shareholders,” states James Preuninger, Chief Executive Officer of Amber Road. “In joining forces, we envision a solution suite with accelerated innovation to connect, streamline and operate all aspects of global sourcing, manufacturing, logistics, distribution, trade and compliance, resulting in immediate benefits for all stakeholders,” comments Michael Farlekas, President and Chief Executive Officer of E2open (pictured). “We believe combining Amber Road’s advanced trade management and supply chain capabilities with E2open’s end-to-end networked supply chain solutions will further improve margins, lower risks and drive operational flexibility and efficiency for our customers.”

The transaction, which is valued at approximately US$425 million, has been unanimously approved by the board of directors of Amber Road, Inc., which advises its shareholders to accept the tender offer of US$13.05 per share in cash. The parties expect the transaction to close before the end of the third quarter of fiscal year 2019, and Amber Road will then become a privately held company.