Automation leader acquires UK software firm

The deal is valued at around £105 million, and is Kion’s largest investment since acquiring Dematic in 2016.

The addition of DAI significantly expands Dematic’s intralogistics software offerings to support the movement, storage and distribution of goods through the entire supply chain. DAI’s core product is a WMS that broadens the capabilities of Dematic iQ automation by allowing a wider range of applications — from primarily manual operations to the fully automated supply chain ecosystems. The combined offerings will be especially attractive to new customers who desire a single software platform and after-market customers looking to add on to existing software.

“This deal marks a significant moment in time for Dematic and for intralogistics as a whole,” said Hasan Dandashly, CEO, Dematic. “Software is no longer something extra to be added to a solution — it is a fundamental, inextricable part of all solutions. And now with this combined software portfolio we can provide our customers with entirely new business models to make them more competitive and power the future of commerce.”

In the 2019 financial year, DAI’s preliminary revenue was equivalent to approximately £35m. With offices in London (UK), Manchester (UK), Aberdeen (UK), Basel (Switzerland), and Shanghai (China), DAI has customer installations around the globe, many of which have been close collaborative efforts with Dematic.

“Dematic and DAI have been partners for many years sharing market leadership and software capabilities. Combining the companies will only accelerate the benefit to customers,” said Dr. Andrew Kisiel, Founder & Chairman of DAI.

This next phase will be a continuation of this partnership. The acquisition includes a long-term programme for retaining and growing DAI’s workforce of approximately 240 employees.