Australia’s WiseTech Global acquires U.S. cloud firm E2open for $2.1 billion in largest deal yet

Just a few months after a messy CEO exit, WiseTech is making headlines again — this time with a $2.1 billion acquisition. The Australian software firm announced Monday that it’s buying U.S.-based cloud company E2open in what will be its largest deal to date.

The move is being funded by a new $3 billion debt facility backed by a group of nine lenders, including Deutsche Bank and HSBC. It’s a clear signal that WiseTech is ramping up its ambitions beyond its flagship CargoWise platform.

“WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) (“WiseTech”), developer of leading logistics execution software CargoWise, today announced it has entered into a binding agreement to acquire U.S.-based E2open Parent Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:ETWO) (“e2open”), a leading provider of SaaS-based solutions in the global logistics value chain, for $3.30 per share in cash equating to an enterprise value of $2.1 billion1 (the “Transaction”) – which will be fully debt funded from a new syndicated debt facility and is subject to certain customary conditions precedent,” WiseTech said in a news release.

WiseTech Bets Big on Supply Chain Software with $2.1B E2open Acquisition

The Sydney-based company is offering $3.30 per share for E2open, a 24.5% premium over the U.S. firm’s last closing price. WiseTech’s stock responded well to the news, opening more than 5% higher in Sydney and last trading up 5.2% at A$106.

“WiseTech, known for its flagship CargoWise platform, is offering $3.30 per E2open share — a 24.5% premium to the U.S. company’s last closing price,” Reuters reported.

Founded in 2000 and based in Addison, Texas, E2open operates across 20+ countries and runs one of the largest connected supply chain platforms in the industry. Its cloud-based software links over 500,000 partners, including manufacturers, logistics providers, and distributors, into a single network that processes more than 18 billion transactions each year. The platform helps companies manage how they make, move, and sell products more efficiently.

Buying E2open gives WiseTech a much broader software toolkit. The deal adds capabilities across supply chain planning, procurement, trade compliance, and channel management — areas where WiseTech has been looking to grow. It also helps the company solidify its place in enterprise logistics and puts more distance between itself and smaller competitors.

“Acquiring e2open is a strategically significant step in achieving our expanded vision to be the operating system for global trade and logistics. This will enable WiseTech to create a multi-sided marketplace that connects all trade and logistics stakeholders to efficiently offer and acquire services, removing complex disconnected processes and driving visibility, predictability and cost savings through the value chain,” WiseTech Global Founder, Executive Chair and Chief Innovation Officer, Richard White, said.

This acquisition comes at a turning point for the company. Billionaire founder Richard White, who still holds a large stake, stepped down as CEO in October 2024 after reports surfaced about payments to a former partner, leading to investor backlash and a sharp drop in share price.

Meanwhile, E2open has been under pressure itself. Questions around its growth outlook and macroeconomic headwinds have weighed on the company.

For WiseTech, the deal is more than just a product expansion. It’s a statement. At $2.1 billion, it dwarfs its previous acquisitions, including the $414 million deal for Blume Global last year. It also shows that WiseTech isn’t retreating, it’s doubling down.