Descartes Systems Group acquires Core Transport Technologies

Canadian logistics software provider Descartes Systems Group has acquired electronic transportation network Core Transport Technologies NX Limited (CORE) for $21 million plus performance-based consideration, the company said today.

New Zealand-based CORE provides global air carriers and ground handlers with shipment scanning and tracking solutions. The deal strengthens Descartes Global Logistics Network (GLN) solution footprint for mail, parcel, and cargo tracking and boosts its global e-commerce capabilities, the company said.

Customers use CORE's network to track international mail, parcel, and cargo shipments as well as U.S. domestic mail and parcel shipments, according to Descartes. In addition, CORE's solutions leverage mobile technologies and data analytics to help customers automate processes and increase operational efficiency.

The purchase also complements Descartes' recent investment in airline mail tracking firm Velocity Mail.

"We continue to look for opportunities to add customers, solutions, and content to our Global Logistics Network to help our customers manage the lifecycle of shipments," Descartes' CEO Edward J. Ryan said in a statement announcing the acquisition. "By combining with CORE, we're strengthening our position in the growing domestic and global e-commerce market. We're also adding new solutions to our Descartes Global Air Messaging Gateway that we believe will present a compelling opportunity for our global air cargo community to enhance real-time tracking and visibility of air shipments."