Ikea owner acquires supply chain solution provider Made4net

Ingka Group, owner of Ikea, has recently acquired Made4net, a leading US-based supply chain software solution provider, to improve its order fulfilment landscape. As part of its business development investments portfolio and overall retail transformation, Ingka Group will integrate Made4net’s fulfilment operations system to improve the omnichannel experience for customers and co-workers in stores. Made4net provides cloud-based supply chain execution and warehouse management solutions that improve speed and efficiency across the value chain. The increase in online usage, and changes in consumer behaviour during the last few years have led to an unprecedented demand for warehouse and fulfilment solutions within the retail sector. Wim Blaauw, chief digital officer for Ingka Group, said: “We are constantly looking to improve our business to better meet the needs of our customers. As part of that, we are implementing a variety of digital solutions that will secure the speed and agility required to support the new omnichannel reality we operate in.” Ingka Group identified Made4net’s solution as highly innovative and scalable, to help the company deliver its long-term vision of creating a better everyday life for the many people. After the acquisition, Made4net will continue to operate as an independent subsidiary, based in New Jersey, U.S, and serve its existing customer base. In addition, Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE served as financial advisor to Ingka Investments B.V. in connection with the transaction. Duff Davidson, CEO of Made4net, said: “By incorporating Made4net’s state-of-the-art solution, we will strengthen the fulfilment operations system across all IKEA’s stores. We expect to deliver faster, more accurate order fulfilment solutions and improved supply chain efficiencies, meeting both the needs of IKEA customers and co-workers.”