3PL Warehouse and Supply Chain Optimisation Specialist Principal Logistics Technologies acquires WMS expert Chess Logistics Technology

Warehouse and Supply Chain management software specialist Principal Logistics Technologies Ltd. has announced its second business acquisition in under 12 months.

The logistics business sector has remained resilient following Brexit. Principal Logistics Technologies Ltd., in order to expand its operations, has acquired the entire share capital and intellectual property rights of Manchester, UK based Chess Logistics Technology Ltd. The Covid pandemic has accelerated a change in consumer purchasing habits, which in turn has led to changes and pressures in the supply chain. Warehouse and supply chain optimisation technology, supplied by Principal Logistics Technologies and Chess Logistics Technology, will assist across industries responding to these challenges. The acquisition includes Chess Logistics Technology’s in-house developed Empirica and Socretes WMS warehouse management systems along with ProSKU, a cloud-based WMS and order management system.

Peter Flanagan, Principal Logistics Technologies’ founder and Managing Director commented “I am delighted by this acquisition. It builds on our longstanding experience in developing and deploying innovative warehouse management and supply chain business solutions and related technology. I am looking forward to deepening the strong relationships that Chess enjoys with its customers.”

Peter Flanagan continued “We are impressed with the scalability and functionality of the Chess portfolio, as well as the operational and technical synergy across our two businesses. Chess’s Empirica WMS is available on-premise and in the cloud and it complements our existing product portfolio which includes In-DEX WMS and AWARDS-BA³ ERP. I am also delighted to welcome the Chess team to Principal Logistics Technologies. We are now almost 60 professionals delivering solutions to businesses across the UK, Ireland, Europe and Australasia.”

Alex Mills, Chess Logistics Technology Sales & Marketing Director commented “We’ve developed our blue-chip client base over many years and a key issue in considering the sale to Principal Logistics Technologies was the assurance of maintaining high levels of professional support to our valued customers. Additionally, we’ve a great team and we also needed assurance that our highly-trained and professional staff remain in place to support our customers. I’m comfortable in the knowledge that both our customers and team are in good hands with Principal Logistics Technologies.”

Joe O’Shea, Principal Logistics Technologies’ Sales Director commented “We look forward to integrating our mutual product lines so we can offer a wider range of value-added services to our expanded customer base. I am particularly impressed with Chess’s cloud-based ProSKU WMS and order management system that will benefit SMB-level eCommerce, eFulfilment and wholesale customer needs.”

Clarkslegal, led by Jon Chapman and Dillon Eustace LLP, led by Conor Keaveny provided Principal Logistics Technologies with legal advice, while Brian Bergin led a PWC team providing financial and tax advice. The sellers were advised by a KPMG team led by Nisha Sharma, CG Professional, led by Benjamin Dredge, providing legal advice, and Brendan Fitzpatrick of James Scott Chartered Accountants.

About Principal Logistics Technologies
Since 1990 Principal Logistics Technologies Ltd. (Principal Systems (Holdings) Ltd.) has been delivering innovative, functionally-rich, warehouse management software (WMS), enterprise resource planning software (ERP & SOP) and associated technology to 3PL logistics, supply chain and distribution warehouse businesses. Our technology is in-house developed and designed to optimise operational performance, reduce operating expense and increase revenue. The company’s expertise spans warehouse operations across 3PL logistics, chemicals & hazardous goods, chill picking, cold storage, commodities, cross docking, eCommerce, FMCG, grocery, food & beverage, healthcare, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, retail, wholesale & distribution and more.

About Chess Logistics Technology
Chess Logistics Technology Ltd. is an ISO:9001 accredited company with over 32 years’ experience in developing and deploying warehouse and logistics software. This includes the Empirica and Socretes warehouse management systems (WMS) and ProSKU, a cloud-based WMS and order management system. Customers, spanning the retail, 3PL and manufacturing sectors, enjoy a range of business benefits delivered by our software technology. These enable streamlining operational processes and reducing operating costs delivering a competitive edge for our customers.