Panasonic Corporation announced it has completed the acquisition of Blue Yonder, an end-to-end, digital fulfilment platform provider. Panasonic has purchased the remaining 80 per cent of shares of Blue Yonder, adding to the 20 per cent which Panasonic acquired in July 2020. This investment now puts Blue Yonder at US$8.5 billion.
Since Panasonic’s announcement to acquire all shares on April 23, 2021, the acquisition has completed antitrust clearance procedures and received approval of regulatory authorities in the US and other countries.
“The acquisition accelerates Panasonic’s and Blue Yonder’s shared vision for autonomous supply chains. By unifying Panasonic’s sensing technologies and edge devices with Blue Yonder’s AI/ML-powered planning, execution and commerce solutions, companies can create smarter and more connected e-commerce strategies, retail stores, warehouses, transportation, and workplaces,” the company statement read.
“This unique end-to-end offering provides customers with unlimited visibility, control, and orchestration, allowing them to pivot operations in real-time, provide superior customer experiences, and deliver more profitable business outcomes,” it added.
“With the increasing frequency and impact of supply chain disruptions, companies need data and visibility to make real-time operations decisions. Panasonic’s Edge technology with Blue Yonder’s AI/ML capabilities combines IoT devices and an AI-powered platform to gather and analyse data more quickly and with greater insight,” explained industry analyst Simon Ellis, Program Vice President, IDC.
The acquisition also enhances Panasonic’s own digital transformation and customer-centric focus. Through this transformation, Panasonic aims to contribute to the realisation of a sustainable society through more efficient use of limited global resources.
“Panasonic’s resources and Blue Yonder’s innovation will accelerate the development of the tools customers need to anticipate and prevent disruptions and breathe autonomy into their supply chains. Panasonic’s acquisition of Blue Yonder is indicative of what’s to come,” Ellis added.
The Panasonic Group will shift to a holding company system on April 01, 2022, focusing on strategic businesses in key areas such as providing supply chain innovation and automation.
The Blue Yonder brand will be retained and the business will function within the Panasonic Connected Solutions Company. Blue Yonder CEO Girish Rishi and the entire leadership team will remain with the company.
