WiseTech to Buy E2open for $2.1 Billion

WiseTech Global, an Australian logistics software company founded by billionaire Richard White, has agreed to acquire US-based cloud computing firm E2open for $2.1 billion, offering a 28% premium over E2open's previous closing price. The acquisition, pending regulatory approval, will be financed by a $3 billion loan and is expected to close by mid-2026, with both companies operating separately until then. The move will expand WiseTech's customer base by about 500,000 clients, including 5,600 customers and major ocean carriers. Following the announcement, WiseTech's shares surged to their highest levels in over three months, as analysts pointed to strategic value and margin improvement through cost synergies. This marks Richard White's first major action since returning as executive chairman amid prior personal scandals and aims to position WiseTech as the leading operating system for global trade and logistics. The deal is expected to be accretive to WiseTech’s earnings in the first year and strengthens its role in the $11 trillion global trade sector.