Descartes acquires integration specialist Appterra

Ed Ryan, chief executive officer of Descartes Systems Group, said the acquisition will give Descartes’ customers access to a wider range of data integration capabilities for standardizing and automating buy-side and sell-side processes.    The logistics software provider Descartes Systems Group said Wednesday it has acquired Appterra, a provider of cloud-based business-to-business (B2B) supply chain integration solutions, for $5.8 million plus potential performance-based considerations.
   Appterra, founded in 2005, provides B2B integration as a cloud service for its customers connecting the systems involved in typical procure-to-pay and order-to-cash processes.
   The Texas-based company focuses on integrating internal and external systems related to key supply chain functions. According to Appterra’s website, it started as a B2B integration consultant but evolved to be a technology provider in the space.
   Integration-as-a-service providers are becoming key players in many industries, including supply chain and logistics, as companies recognize the need to harmonize data across disparate systems both inside and outside their organization.
   “Our Global Logistics Network helps isolate customers from the complexities of different protocols, semantics and end-user requirements for managing and transmitting electronic supply chain data and documents,” said Descartes CEO Ed Ryan. “By adding Appterra’s technology and services to our business, our customers will have access to broader data integration capabilities for standardizing and automating buy-side and sell-side processes.”
   The maximum amount payable under the all-cash performance-based considerations is $1.6 million, based on Appterra achieving revenue-based targets in each of the first two years from the acquisition.