Descartes adds Airclic to its logistics technologies with US$29.7-million deal

WATERLOO, Ont. – Descartes Systems Group (TSX:DSG) has acquired Pennsylvania-based Airclic Incfor US$29.7 million.

The two companies have complementary technologies used by freight and parcel delivery carriers to manage their logistics.

Airclic uses hand-held wireless devices connected to computing services that automate processes, such as proof of delivery.

Waterloo, Ont.-based Descartes operates a global network system used by its customers to plan routes, schedule shipments, track resources, and perform various documentation functions.

“Descartes and Airclic have several common customers who have achieved significant value by augmenting their route planning and optimization systems with comprehensive mobile data at the driver, vehicle and stop level,” said Edward J. Ryan, the chief executive of Descartes.

“With a focus on integrating our businesses to provide superior results for our customers, we believe we can meet the growing demand for integrated routing and mobile fleet management solutions and put Airclic on a path to achieving similar operational profitability to Descartes.”

Airclic is headquartered in the Philadelphia-area community of Trevose, Penn.