IKEA operator buys WMS provider

The owner of hundreds of IKEA stores has bought US-based Made4Net, a cloud-based WMS provider.

Ingka Group, which owns and operates 482 IKEA stores in 31 countries, said the acquisition will help it improve its online order fulfillment processes. It will use the Made4net omnichannel fulfillment solution across IKEA stores and e-commerce fulfillment points.

“Our business currently requires a better fulfillment operations system with more accurate data that better supports handling for our customers,” said Tolga Öncu, head of retail, Ingka Group.

“Our goal is to become leaders of life at home, serving more people in an omnichannel reality, whenever and however customers choose to meet us.”

Ingka will also boost investment in Made4net’s product innovation, customer support resources, and global market position.

The acquisition by Ingka Investments ends a two-year hold period of Made4net by Thompson Street Capital Partners, which made an initial growth investment in the company in January 2021.

Made4net will continue to operate as an independent subsidiary from its headquarters in New Jersey, U.S., and its six global offices where the company supports hundreds of global customers. Made4net CEO, Duff Davidson, and the leadership team will stay on to manage the company.

“The Made4net platform has had a long customer track record for fast implementation and the ability to pivot quickly with changing business and market dynamics,” Davidson said.

“We’re excited to expand those capabilities for all of our customers through the increased backing of Ingka and also look forward to transforming the future of unified commerce by helping IKEA’s global retail network deliver on its omnichannel fulfillment vision.”