MHS buys two integrators

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – Material Handling Systems, Inc. (MHS), a global provider of automation engineering, equipment and software has acquired A2i Systems (A2i), a material handling equipment, engineering and services integrator for the warehouse and distribution market in North America.

Additionally, MHS announced the completion of its acquisition of VanRiet Material Handling Systems (VanRiet), a  global provider of integration systems, equipment, and after-market services for the European and North American markets.

“The infrastructure required to support e-commerce globally is immense,” said Scott McReynolds, COO of MHS.

“Our vision is to create a best-in-class provider of automated technology across parcel and warehouse and distribution, providing our customers with the capability to efficiently deliver packages to consumers worldwide. With the acquisitions of A2i and VanRiet, MHS has significantly expanded its global reach, warehouse and distribution expertise and automated product portfolio.”

“We are immensely proud to join the MHS family,” said Bob Cobak and Kyle Hester, co-founders of A2i Systems.

“We started A2i Systems as a response to clients who wanted to work with a group of experienced professionals in the warehouse and distribution market. Together with MHS, we will be able to enhance our full end-to-end warehouse & distribution product capabilities, and offer all of our clients a world-class platform that has reach across the parcel and warehouse & distribution end-markets in North America, Europe and China.”

PricewaterhouseCoopers acted as an accounting and tax advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal counsel to MHS. Financial terms for the transaction were not disclosed.