WATERLOO, Ontario, Oct. 1, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Descartes Systems Group, a
global on-demand software-as-a-service (SaaS) logistics solutions provider, has
acquired Dexx, a Belgium-based European customs filing and logistics messaging
provider. Dexx adds European customs filing capabilities and a community of
connected European logistics organizations to Descartes' Global Logistics
Network of over 4,000 connected members.
Dexx's customs offerings help shippers, cargo carriers and freight forwarders
manage the movement and submission of customs filings and messages to a number
of customs authorities. Dexx's commitment to automating logistics processes in
Europe also resulted in its membership in EuroTradeNet (ETN), an entity designed
to promote electronic trade focused on customs filings in the European region.
In addition to customs services, Dexx manages the Brucargo Community System
(BCS), the cargo community system (CCS) at Brussels airport. BCS provides a
comprehensive range of electronic information exchange between airlines,
integrators, general sales agents, forwarding agents, ground handlers, truckers
and shippers, as well as customs and other governmental bodies.
"With anticipated upcoming European Union regulations expected to mandate
electronic notification to custom authorities of the contents of a vehicle,
aircraft or vessel prior to arrival at the border, we saw an opportunity to play
an exciting role in this market by combining our local expertise with Descartes'
Global Logistics Network," said Johan Deckx, president of Dexx. "Descartes and
Dexx share a common vision to automate customs compliance and other logistics
processes, so we're confident that our customers will continue to receive
excellent service. We're excited about joining the Descartes team and continuing
to work on these important initiatives."
"We're committed to helping our Global Logistics Network customers comply with
existing and pending electronic customs initiatives," said Art Mesher, CEO at
Descartes. "As logistics standards and government regulations around the world
continue to evolve and be adopted, we pride ourselves in helping our customers
be ready before compliance is mandatory. Our combination with Dexx is true to
our mission of bringing together shippers, transportation carriers, forwarders,
government agencies and other logistics intermediaries to streamline the
shipment management process."
Dexx is based in Leuven, Belgium. Further information on Dexx can be found at
its corporate website at www.dexx.be. The purchase price for the acquisition was
approximately 1.4 million euros, net of working capital assumed.
About Descartes
Descartes (TSX:DSG) (Nasdaq:DSGX), a leading provider of software-as-a-service
(SaaS) logistics solutions, is delivering results across the globe today for
organizations that operate logistics-intensive businesses. Descartes' logistics
management solutions combine a multi-modal network, the Descartes Global
Logistics Network, with component-based 'nano' sized applications to provide
messaging services between logistics trading partners, shipment management
services for contract carriers and private fleet management services for
organizations of all sizes. These solutions and services help Descartes'
customers reduce administrative costs, billing cycles, fleet size, contract
carrier costs, and mileage driven and improve pick up and delivery reliability.
Our hosted, transactional and packaged solutions deliver repeatable, measurable
results and fast time-to-value. Descartes customers include an estimated 1,600
ground carriers and more than 90 airlines, 30 ocean carriers, 900 freight
forwarders and third-party providers of logistics services, and hundreds of
manufacturers, retailers, distributors, private fleet owners and regulatory
agencies. The company has over 350 employees and is based in Waterloo, Ontario,
with operations in Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Ottawa, Washington DC, Derby, London,
Leuven, Stockholm and Shanghai. For more information, visit www.descartes.com.
The Descartes Systems Group logo is available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4065
This release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of
applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements") that relate to pending
customs regulations in Europe, Dexx's opportunity in the European market, Dexx
and Descartes' combined solution offering to customers and potential benefits
derived therefrom; and other matters. Such forward-looking statements involve
known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may
cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from
the anticipated results, performance or achievements or developments expressed
or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not
limited to, changes in European customs regulations and the factors and
assumptions discussed in the section entitled, "Certain Factors That May Affect
Future Results" in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
the Ontario Securities Commission and other securities commissions across
Canada. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any such
forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. We do not
undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any
updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in
our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which
any such statement is based.
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CONTACT: Descartes Systems Group
Nicole German
1-416-816-5251
ngerman@descartes.com
