German multichannel software vendor hybris has merged with Montreal-based iCongo in a deal it says will offer clients a complete multichannel commerce solution, offered through a single open platform and powered by the hybris technology stack.
Existing customers of both companies will, say the two, be able to benefit from a new solution that integrates order and warehouse management systems as well as multichannel, ecommerce and mobile commerce and product content management and allows for point of sale integration, allowing retailers in turn to offer their customers a seamless multichannel experience.
The deal also gives hybris, based in Munich, an increased geographical reach, with more than 350 customers in 11 countries. They include, from the hybris side, Adidas, Lufthansa, Levi’s and Toys R Us, and, from the iCongo side in Canada, Clarks Shoes, Crabtree & Evelyn and Puma. Hybris will immediately offer managed services and a cloud-based offering for customers and partners, including its more than 90 integration partners.
Ariel Lüdi, chief executive of hybris, (pictured) said: “With this move hybris will further enhance its position as the one-stop shop for any company across the globe looking for a commerce solution that delivers a modern customer experience and efficient inventory management, which together result in increased customer retention, revenues and margins.
“This is a terrific opportunity for our joint customer base and our partner channel to benefit from a broader footprint, both in terms of products and geographic presence. In addition, we will be able to jumpstart a managed services offering to provide customers with increased flexibility and choice.”
Steven Kramer, co-founder and president of iCongo, said; “The combined hybris and iCongo solution provides current and future customers with the fully-integrated, end-to-end, multi-channel commerce infrastructure required to capitalize on expectations for a seamless customer experience. Channel-optimized touch points, central management of commerce logic, product and customer data, powerful cross-channel, distributed order management, and warehouse management are just a few highlights of the joint solutions capabilities.”
The deal is backed by private equity firm Huntsman Gay Global Capital.
Carsten Thoma, hybris co-founder and chief operating officer, said: “Integrating with iCongo’s back-office capabilities and having a strategic partner of Huntsman Gay’s calibre positions us as the industry’s leading commerce vendor and will provide prime access to corporate finance opportunities as well.”
Richard Lawson, co-founder and managing director of Huntsman Gay Global Capital, said: “We identified hybris and iCongo as companies with huge potential and the unique opportunity to together become the largest independent, global multi-channel commerce solution specialist with a complete offering and exclusive R&D focus on multi-channel commerce,” said Richard Lawson, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Huntsman Gay Global Capital. “Combining the technology and talent of these two innovative companies creates tremendous value for current and future customers that require an innovative technology partner that enables them to deliver a modern customer shopping and service experience.”
