Descartes acquires two UK-based customs software providers

Purchase of e-customs gives Descartes added depth in its customs and regulatory offerings in the UK, while e-customs’ installed base gets access to Descartes logistics functions.    The logistics and global trade management software provider Descartes Systems Group said Monday it has acquired two U.K.-based businesses to bolster its GTM data and software.
   The bigger of the two acquisitions is e-customs, Inc., a provider of electronic security and fiscal customs filing solutions in the UK. The company’s cloud-based solution Webdecs provides shippers and logistics services providers with solutions to comply with U.K. fiscal filing and security filing requirements.
   Importers and exporters can leverage default and client-specific standing data, declaration templates, historical filings, on-screen tips and system validations designed to increase speed and accuracy in the filing process.
   “By combining with e-customs, we’ve deepened our U.K. expertise and added more robust capabilities to our global Customs and Regulatory Compliance solution portfolio,” said Edward Ryan, chief executive officer of Descartes. “It also strengthens Descartes’ position as a trusted technology partner for customers requiring improved shipment management and customs compliance across the globe.”
   Ryan said that e-customs’ installed base of customers will have access to complementary solutions on Descartes’ Logistics Technology Platform.
   The acquisition of e-customs was for roughly $9 million, plus potential performance-based consideration. Descartes also announced its acquisition of Pentant, a U.K.-based certified community system provider offering customs connectivity and import/export inventory control solutions for ocean, truck and air cargo. Prior to the acquisition, e-customs and Pentant were independently operated companies under common control of several private U.K. investors.