WWEX Group and Auctane have completed their merger and will operate as ShipStation Global, serving more than 3 million customers.
The deal combines WWEX Group's parcel and freight services business with Auctane's software brands, including ShipStation, Stamps.com, Metapack and Packlink. The merged company will be based in Texas, with offices in Dallas and Austin.
Backed by Thoma Bravo, the group brings together a freight brokerage platform and a sales network of more than 2,300 professionals with software used for shipping management and carrier connections. CVC Funds and other existing WWEX Group investors are retaining a significant minority stake.
ShipStation Global moves more than 3 billion shipments a year. Its network includes more than 75 less-than-truckload carriers, 350 regional, national and international carriers, 600 technology partners and 45,000 truckload carriers.
Combined business
The new group's portfolio includes ShipStation, Stamps.com, Metapack, Packlink, Worldwide Express, GlobalTranz, Unishippers, JEAR Logistics and BLX Logistics. It is targeting small and mid-sized businesses, which often rely on separate providers and software tools across parcel, freight and international shipping.
The merger brings together two parts of the logistics market at a time when operators are under pressure to manage more fragmented supply chains and rising customer expectations. By combining shipping software with freight and parcel operations, the group aims to offer a single platform across parcel, less-than-truckload, truckload and global shipping.
Tom Madine, Chief Executive Officer of ShipStation Global, said the tie-up was designed for smaller companies that have struggled to access the same range of tools and supplier relationships as larger rivals.
"Small and mid-sized businesses have been forced to stitch together multiple tools and relationships just to keep up," said Tom Madine, Chief Executive Officer of ShipStation Global. "ShipStation Global changes that. We're combining the best AI-powered shipping software in the market with one of the country's most powerful freight networks, and we're building it specifically for the businesses that need it most. Today is the start of something that's been a long time coming."
Investor backing
Private equity remains central to the ownership structure. Thoma Bravo, which describes itself as the world's largest software-focused investment firm, is backing the merged company, while CVC Funds remains a minority shareholder through its existing investment in WWEX Group.
The transaction reflects continuing buyout interest in logistics software and transport intermediaries, particularly businesses that sit between carriers and merchants. Investors have increasingly focused on groups that combine transport purchasing, shipping management and data tools for merchants navigating more complex delivery networks.
Brian Jaffee, Partner at Thoma Bravo, linked the merger to broader changes in logistics technology.
"The combination of Auctane and WWEX Group comes at a pivotal moment, as AI fundamentally changes the way organizations manage their shipping and logistics operations," said Brian Jaffee, Partner at Thoma Bravo. "ShipStation Global brings together AI-powered shipping software and best-in-class freight and parcel services in a way that gives businesses of every size the tools and scale to compete. We are excited to support the ShipStation Global team as they build the category-defining, intelligent platform for modern logistics."
CVC said it would continue to support the enlarged group. Aaron Dupuis, Managing Partner at CVC, highlighted the combination of WWEX Group's commercial structure and Auctane's international software operations.
"We are thrilled to continue our journey with WWEX Group as part of this new, expanded platform," said Aaron Dupuis, Managing Partner at CVC. "By uniting WWEX Group's commercial engine with Auctane's global software footprint, we are creating a company with the reach, technology and talent to deliver real results for customers, and we look forward to supporting ShipStation Global's next chapter of growth."
The companies did not disclose financial terms. Advisers on the transaction included J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, UBS, Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins.