Unicommerce Acquires Controlling Stake in e-commerce Startup Shipway
Unicommerce, a prominent SaaS provider in logistics and e-commerce management, has announced the acquisition of Shipway, a Gurugram-based e-commerce technology firm. The acquisition, structured as a mix of equity and cash, aims to broaden Unicommerce’s product portfolio and enhance its capabilities in courier aggregation, shipping automation, and AI-driven marketing. This phased acquisition will position Unicommerce as a leading one-stop solution for e-commerce businesses across India.
Unicommerce Acquires 42.76% Stake in Shipway in Initial Tranche
Cash Consideration of Rs 68.4 Crore: In the first phase of the deal, Unicommerce has acquired a 42.76% stake in Shipway for Rs 68.4 crore. The transaction, which includes both equity and cash components, sets the groundwork for full ownership.
Full Acquisition Within a Year: The remaining 57.24% stake in Shipway will be acquired over the next year through either a merger or a stock swap. This approach will enable Unicommerce to secure a 100% ownership stake and integrate Shipway’s offerings into its platform.
Acquisition to Enhance Unicommerce’s Logistics and Marketing Capabilities
Expansion into Courier Aggregation and Shipping Automation: The acquisition brings advanced logistics capabilities to Unicommerce, including solutions for courier aggregation and streamlined shipping processes. Additionally, Unicommerce will leverage Shipway’s technology to reduce product returns, enhancing the overall efficiency of e-commerce logistics.
AI-Enabled Marketing Platform: With Shipway’s AI-powered solutions, Unicommerce will introduce an integrated marketing platform to its clients. This platform will enable personalized, segmented campaigns designed to boost customer engagement and increase conversion rates, offering brands a powerful tool for targeted outreach.
Transformative Solutions for Unicommerce’s Expanding Customer Base
Unicommerce’s CEO Sees “Transformative” Potential: Kapil Makhija, MD and CEO of Unicommerce, highlighted the strategic importance of this acquisition. “Our collective product suite of software solutions from Unicommerce and Shipway will be transformative, offering an unparalleled, one-stop, seamless solution to simplify e-commerce for businesses in India,” Makhija stated, indicating that the expanded offerings will benefit Unicommerce’s 6,500+ customer base and beyond.
Seamless E-commerce Solution: The integration of Shipway’s tools will create a unified platform, streamlining the entire e-commerce process—from inventory management to logistics, customer engagement, and marketing automation. This one-stop solution aims to reduce operational complexity for businesses, driving growth and customer satisfaction.
Retention of Shipway Team to Support Growth and Integration
Continued Expansion of Shipway’s Businesses: The Shipway team will remain with Unicommerce as part of the acquisition, continuing to grow both the Shipway and ConvertWay brands. This decision underscores Unicommerce’s commitment to maintaining Shipway’s expertise while also fostering growth in the acquired businesses.
Broader Client Base and Market Reach: Unicommerce’s access to Shipway’s established client base, which includes brands like Durex, Lenskart, Juicy Chemistry, Tresmode, and Sennheiser, will expand its market reach. Shipway’s nearly 3,000 clients will now have access to Unicommerce’s integrated technology solutions, marking a substantial growth opportunity for the company.
Acquisition Positions Unicommerce to Lead in India’s E-commerce Sector
Comprehensive Product Suite for E-commerce Success: By merging Shipway’s logistics and marketing tools with its own offerings, Unicommerce is poised to deliver a comprehensive suite of solutions to Indian businesses. This acquisition will allow the company to address every stage of the e-commerce process, from logistics and automation to AI-driven customer engagement.
Potential Market Expansion and Competitive Edge: With Shipway’s clientele and technology now under its umbrella, Unicommerce is strategically positioned to strengthen its foothold in India’s burgeoning e-commerce sector. The deal is expected to foster increased customer loyalty, competitive differentiation, and an expanded market share.