As of
January 2, 2004, Kewill Systems plc (LSE: KWL.L), a well
capitalized, UK listed public company specializing in the area of
supply chain management, has acquired TradePoint Systems. Kewill is
the leading provider of US domestic multi-carrier shipping solutions
and has a significant presence in Europe through their electronic
commerce and order to delivery solutions. TradePoint is a leading
provider of customs compliance, international freight forwarding,
import and export software solutions on both sides of the Atlantic.
This acquisition now accelerates both Kewill and TradePoint's
aspirations to become major worldwide players in the International
Trade marketplace.
TradePoint Systems will continue with the same name and will
operate with the same staff in the same manner that it runs today.
Ken Halle will continue to run the US operations and Nigel Lothian
will remain responsible for the UK and Dutch businesses. Chris Crane
will continue with the company as Executive Vice President of Group
Business Development.
Paul Nichols, CEO of the Kewill Group had this to say about the
acquisition: "We have searched for a long time to find a company
that would make a perfect partner for Kewill. Our values are similar
to TradePoint's and our passion to become the major player in supply
chain execution has been significantly accelerated through this
acquisition. At Kewill we have a strong focus on customer
satisfaction and deliver rapid business benefits through technology
innovation and quality services underpinned by strong financial
management. These attributes are clearly mirrored at TradePoint, and
as a result I am convinced that together we will enjoy growth and
increasing market share. I have been impressed by the caliber of the
people at TradePoint and would like to assure you that we will take
every measure necessary to ensure that they remain with the company
and continue to provide our customers with quality products and
services."
The Kewill Group is headquartered in Staines, UK and has offices
in England, the US, Spain and Germany. In the US Kewill have their
major operations in Marlborough, MA and Chicago, IL. In Europe, in
addition to the London HQ, they have offices in Manchester and
Norwich UK, Madrid, Spain and Dusseldorf, Germany. The company has
been in operation since 1972, and including the additional personnel
from TradePoint, now has 356 employees.
