ACommerce buys into DKSH

Bangkok-based aCommerce, an e-commerce enabler covering Southeast Asia, has acquired a minority stake in Swiss market expansion services firm DKSH Group.

The amount paid was not disclosed, but aCommerce said it was an eight-figure sum that would be used to pursue new business opportunities and expand its reach in Southeast Asia.

The acquisition is expected to provide a high level of synergy between online and offline infrastructure and businesses.

The agreement will let both companies offer a complete range of e-commerce services for business-to-consumer and business-to-business activities, both online and offline solutions.

“The move is also expected to help us expedite our business expansion in new markets such as Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam,” aCommerce group chief executive Paul Srivorakul said.

DKSH Group generated net sales of US$10 billion last year from 165 distribution centres across the region, making it the largest retail distributor in Asia, with 96% of sales generated from the continent.

The group has more than 100 global blue-chip clients, processing 14 million transactions a year.

For its part, aCommerce has more than 140 clients and has tripled its monthly revenue this year.

DKSH president Joerg Wolle said aCommerce’s online services would become an integral part of his company’s successful omnichannel service offerings.

The partnership also opens the door to Indonesia and the Philippines for DKSH’s consumer goods and healthcare businesses.

DKSH can drive brick-and-mortar brands, while aCommerce has the online and offline infrastructure to ensure a smooth transition.

“Together we have a complete offering for global brands and retailers. Indonesia and Thailand are the two largest markets for aCommerce,” Mr Paul said.

“We foresee the rapid growth continuing in Thailand in 2016 thanks to the arrival of 4G commercial service that will further accelerate mobile commerce.”