Zebra
Technologies Corporation (Nasdaq: ZBRA) today announced that it has agreed
to acquire all of the shares of Navis Holdings, LLC, a global solutions
provider for managing logistics, assets, inventories and cargo flows across
the supply chain, for approximately $145 million in cash, subject to
applicable post-closing adjustments. The transaction is expected to close
during the fourth quarter of 2007 and is subject to expiration of the H-S-R
waiting period and other customary closing conditions.
Headquartered in Oakland, CA, Navis provides solutions for marine
terminals and other operations managing cargo in the supply chain. Founded
in 1988, it was the first company to provide automated container terminal
operating systems, which improve velocity and visibility of cargo movement
through port and intermodal facilities. The Navis suite of products helps
companies enhance productivity, efficiency and profitability by automating
and integrating data input functions for real-time analysis and planning.
These products unite various functions to streamline workflow and reduce
overhead, administration and maintenance costs. Related services consist of
product customization, installation, training, maintenance and global
support. The company has a growing number of distribution centers using its
yard management solution to track the movement of assets as well. Navis has
more than 450 end user sites in operation in more than 50 countries.
In addition, Zebra announced that it extended its presence in the
growing field of real-time location with the acquisition of all of the
outstanding shares of proveo AG during the third quarter of 2007 for $16.3
million in cash. The acquisition builds on Zebra's acquisition of WhereNet
Corporation in January 2007. WhereNet is a global provider of active radio
frequency identification (RFID) based real-time location systems (RTLS).
"Navis is an excellent platform for Zebra to provide end-to-end
solutions that help its customers identify, locate and track assets through
the supply chain," stated Anders Gustafsson, Zebra's chief executive
officer. "It complements the real-time location and GPS capabilities of
WhereNet and proveo. Together, these companies give Zebra the ability to
deliver more high-value applications to customers in transportation,
distribution and logistics. Our ability to combine software systems with
integrated real-time RFID, RTLS and GPS asset identification will position
Zebra as a more valued strategic technology provider. They will help Zebra
continue to move toward offering industry-specific applications in
high-growth emerging industries."
"Our combination with Zebra Technologies will ensure that Navis
continues to provide the highest levels of innovation and service our
customers deserve and require," said John Dillon, CEO, Navis. "This
transaction will allow us to continue our extensive maritime focus as well
as all of our strategic market initiatives. As a part of Zebra, Navis will
benefit from Zebra's financial strength, global reach, and engineering
expertise."
Zebra commented that 2007 revenues from Navis are expected to be
approximately $60 million.
proveo Acquisition
Headquartered in Crailsheim, Germany, proveo provides a complete
hardware and software system addressing the real-time requirements of
ground handlers within the airport. Currently deployed on airport ground
support equipment (GSE), proveo solutions deliver cost savings by getting
vehicles where they're needed, when they're needed, for more efficient
asset management, increased safety and security, quality enhancement and
reduction of environmental impact. Using primarily GPS location and GPRS
and Wi-Fi communication technologies, the proveo system helps reduce
investment and operating costs. proveo's real-time system is currently
installed at airports in Frankfurt, Munich, London, Singapore and Dubai,
among others.
"proveo adds to Zebra's real-time location business, with highly
complementary products, technologies and markets," stated Phil Gerskovich,
Zebra senior vice president for corporate development. "The company offers
significant long-term growth opportunities in the deployment of automatic
identification technologies for more effective GSE management to the more
than 350 large and mid-sized airports around the world that operate a fleet
of approximately 200,000 motorized vehicles."
Mr. Gerskovich continued, "proveo now has access to Zebra's broad
technology portfolio to enhance its solution and deliver greater value to
customers. At the same time, Zebra will be able to add proveo's product
platform to its capabilities, including those in ISO 24730 active
RFID/RTLS, to offer new and deeper solutions in locating and tracking
mobile assets such as forklifts in a variety of manufacturing and logistics
venues."
Source: Zebra Technologies