TradePoint Systems Acquired by Kewill Group
London, UK, January 2, 2004 – Kewill Systems plc (LSE: KWL.L), a well capitalized, UK-listed public company specializing in the area of supply chain management, has acquired TradePoint Systems. Kewill is the leading provider of US domestic multi-carrier shipping solutions and has a significant presence in Europe through their electronic commerce and order to delivery solutions. TradePoint is a leading provider of customs compliance, international freight forwarding, import and export software solutions on both sides of the Atlantic. This acquisition now accelerates both Kewill and TradePoint’s aspirations to become major worldwide players in the International Trade marketplace.
TradePoint Systems will continue with the same name and will operate with the same staff in the same manner that it runs today. Ken Halle will continue to run the US operations and Nigel Lothian will remain responsible for the UK and Dutch businesses. Chris Crane will continue with the company as Executive Vice President of Group Business Development.
Paul Nichols, CEO of the Kewill Group had this to say about the acquisition: “We have searched for a long time to find a company that would make a perfect partner for Kewill. Our values are similar to TradePoint’s and our passion to become the major player in supply chain execution has been significantly accelerated through this acquisition. At Kewill we have a strong focus on customer satisfaction and deliver rapid business benefits through technology innovation and quality services underpinned by strong financial management. These attributes are clearly mirrored at TradePoint, and as a result I am convinced that together we will enjoy growth and increasing market share. I have been impressed by the caliber of the people at TradePoint and would like to assure you that we will take every measure necessary to ensure that they remain with the company and continue to provide our customers with quality products and services.”
The Kewill Group is headquartered in Staines, UK and has offices in England, the US, Spain and Germany. In the US Kewill have their major operations in Marlborough, MA and Chicago, IL. In Europe, in addition to the London HQ, they have offices in Manchester and Norwich UK, Madrid, Spain and Dusseldorf, Germany. The company has been in operation since 1972, and including the additional personnel from TradePoint, now has 356 employees.
About Mirus Capital Advisors
Mirus Capital Advisors provides investment banking solutions to corporate clients in the areas of software, online media, business services and niche manufacturing. Founded in 1987, Mirus provides corporate finance advisory services on engagements including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, recapitalizations and valuations. Additional information about the firm is available at www.merger.com.
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