DESCARTES SYSTEMS BUYS E-TRANSPORT

DESCARTES SYSTEMS BUYS E-TRANSPORT    Descartes Systems Group Inc., a Canada-based provider of business-to-business hosted transportation software, announced plans to acquire E-Transport, based in Pittsburgh.
   E-Transport provides rate and tariff management software used by major ocean carriers. Descartes Systems develops electronic logistics systems to manage transportation services.
   Bob Ryan, E-Transport’s chief executive, told American Shipper discussions with Descartes Systems had been ongoing since the spring of 1999. “We are very pleased with this blend of e-fulfillment synergies,” he said.
   Sandra Walsh, a spokesperson for Descartes, said that E-Transport would continue to operate in its present form and retain its name.
   Descartes will buy E-Transport for $80 million in an all-stock deal slated to close by April.