Aug/Sept 2005

Manhattan Associates looks set to extend its existing world lead in the supply-chain solutions market by acquiring Evant, a fellow-American software house focusing on demand planning and replenishment. Manhattan is paying $50 million for the privately-held company.

Both companies have achieved recognition in the UK's multi-channel fulfilment sector. Manhattan warehousing and solutions are used by a number of retailers operating in direct sales, and Evant has also been courting the multi-channel market. Among its more recent UK customers in this sector are Shop Direct and Littlewoods.

Manhattan says the planning, optimisation and execution solutions offered by the combined organisation would make it the only one in the world providing 'the complete footprint' for supply chain management. In the words of president and chief executive Pete Sinisgalli: 'Companies with the best supply chains in the world are looking for a single business partner to provide solutions and expertise for integrating their supply and demand networks.

 

Manhattan is based in Atlanta, and Evant also has one of its main bases here (the other is in San Francisco). The deal was expected to be closed by September.