DESCARTES ADDS CENTRICITY TO LIST OF ACQUISITIONS

DESCARTES ADDS CENTRICITY TO LIST OF ACQUISITIONS    Descartes Systems Group Inc., the big expansion-driven Canadian logistics software group, has made another purchase among the dot-coms, by acquiring Centricity, Inc., a transportation optimization firm.
   Descartes said that it plans to expand its transportation optimization solutions portfolio with the acquisition of Centricity. Founded last year, Centricity is based in Atlanta, Ga.
   The Canadian group has signed a definitive agreement to acquire privately-held Centricity, in return for Descartes shares. The acquisition is expected to close in early July.
   Centricity’s staff includes “key members who were instrumental in developing, selling and implementing transportation management and optimization solutions for companies like CAPS Logistics, i2 Technologies and Baan Supply Chain Solutions,” Descartes said.
   Centricity’s senior staff are experienced in managing and optimizing the movement of freight, particularly when related to North American and European ground transportation.
   Descartes is acquiring Centricity through the issuance of 1.3 million Descartes common shares to Centricity’s shareholders. In addition, Descartes will assume Centricity’s stock option plan. The acquisition is subject to the satisfaction of several closing conditions including the approval of Centricity’s shareholders, and is subject to regulatory approvals.
   Descartes has also announced the expansion of its logistics messaging services for ground transportation with the acquisition of TranSettlements, Inc., also of Atlanta, Ga.
   Centricity is the lastest transportation dot-com to be engulfed in the current industry shakeup. Last month, Descartes took over the activities of NeoModal, an ocean transportation dot-com managed by former executives of Sea-Land Service. Previous acquisitions of Descartes include E-Transport.