Japanese online retailing giant Rakuten has acquired the French eCommerce logistics company, Alpha Direct Services.
eCommerce operator Rakuten has purchased a French logistics firm, ADS, the supplier of services to over 100 merchants – from small businesses to brands such as L’Oreal and Nestlé. The move will give Rakuten the ability to offer logistics services on behalf of sellers.
The deal will be of particular benefit to Rakuten’s PriceMinister operation in France – the company purchased the French eCommerce operator for about €200 million two years ago.
The acquisition could also assist its German business, Rakuten.de, and Play.com in the UK. Rakuten said it will adopt best practice automation procedures e.g. ADS’ unique robotic automation system to reinforce its existing logistics services and improve operational efficiency in Japan.
“ADS will give us a logistics stronghold in Europe, which will further empower merchants using Rakuten’s marketplaces, as well as supporting future marketplaces,” said Hiroshi Mikitani, chairman and chief executive of Rakuten. “ADS’s management team, their proprietary warehouse automation technology and existing infrastructure have strong synergies with Rakuten’s eCommerce and logistics businesses and will be invaluable as we continue our growth in Japan and globally.”
With sellers using online competitor price monitoring tools to assist with price intelligence and dynamic pricing, the new acquisition will help strengthen Rakuten’s offering to merchants.
© Profitero 2012
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Pricing intelligence company Profitero works with retailers and manufacturers to help them increase sales and maximise their profits by using competitor price, promotions and stock information at scale. For more information on Profitero price intelligence and competitor monitoring, visit www.profitero.com or email sales@profitero.com.
