AKCEAN, M&A advisor to the shareholders of 4i, has supported the Luxembourg-based company specializing in traceability solutions in its merger with the Belgian-Dutch group DatAction, a key player in logistics automation. The merger reflects the joint ambition of the two companies to create the leading provider of traceability and automatic identification solutions in the Benelux market.
4i : Luxembourg’s leader in traceability solutions
Based in Steinfort, 4i is Luxembourg’s leading provider of traceability and automatic identification solutions, based on barcode and RFID technologies, with an extensive presence in France and Belgium.
The company offers a complete range of services, including the development of traceability software, as well as the marketing, installation and maintenance of portable terminals (barcode readers) and printers. Its solutions are mainly geared to the needs of the healthcare, transport, industrial, retail and postal services sectors.
DatAction: A major player in logistics digitization in the Netherlands and Belgium
The DatAction group, based in the Netherlands and Belgium, is a leading player in the digitization and automation of logistics flows.
DatAction develops integrated hardware and software solutions, mainly dedicated to the automation of warehouses and logistics processes, with recognized expertise in key accounts. The group supports its customers in optimizing their supply chain, enabling them to gain in efficiency and competitiveness.
A strategic alliance to boost innovation and growth
François Dolisy, Managing Director of 4i, comments:“This integration is a tremendous opportunity for 4i. By joining DatAction, we are strengthening our capacity for innovation and our added value for our customers. The synergies between our teams are obvious, particularly in terms of technical skills. This merger will enable us to pursue our quality approach, while opening up new prospects for our employees. We would like to thank the AKCEAN team for their support throughout this operation, which has enabled us to find the ideal partner to fully support our growth ambitions. ”
Jan Doclo, CEO of DatAction, adds: ” This merger is a strategic step that will enable us to become the leading provider of traceability and automatic identification solutions in the Benelux. 4i’s expertise in the Luxembourg market and in the healthcare sector perfectly complements our core activities. This will enable us to offer even more comprehensive solutions tailored to the specific needs of our customers, while accelerating our growth. ”
AKCEAN’s role in the transaction
As a disposal and acquisition consultancy, AKCEAN handled the entire transaction process on behalf of 4i’s shareholders.
We drew up the disposal strategy, carried out the valuation of the company, drafted the presentation file and compiled the necessary documentation. We identified and contacted companies likely to support 4i’s development through capital investment. We then orchestrated the negotiations and coordinated all the audits and the work of the legal advisors to bring the transaction to a successful conclusion.
Our mission was to actively defend the interests of our clients, while ensuring a balanced transaction that created value for all parties.
Sell-Side team :
– M&A advisor: AKCEAN, Thibault Vittet
– Legal counsel: GSK Stockmann, Anna Gassner
