Thompson Street Capital Partners (TSCP), a private equity firm based in St. Louis, today announced the acquisition of Zethcon by Made4net, a TSCP portfolio company. Zethcon is a leading North American warehouse management system (WMS) software company with a robust cloud-based product platform designed specifically for the unique requirements of the third-party logistics (3PL) market. Made4Net is a global leader in cloud-based supply chain execution and WMS software. Combining Zethcon’s multi-decade track record of delivering premier 3PL WMS solutions with Made4net’s WMS product leadership across a broad diversity of end markets that extend beyond 3PL, creates a best-of-breed warehouse software company serving an impressive global footprint of blue-chip 3PL and non-3PL customers, spanning virtually all industries. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
For nearly 20 years, Zethcon’s flagship product, Synapse WMS, has enabled 3PL and cold-chain customers to improve the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of their warehouse operations. The Synapse platform offers real-time inventory visibility, extensive ecommerce and order management capabilities, and deep, purpose-built WMS functionality for 3PL and cold chain operators and their customers.
“One of the most important factors in our track record of success, is our people,” said Chris Oechsel, President and CEO of Zethcon. “This partnership with Made4net allows for our leadership, culture, and customer focus to continue on their same trajectory, while now leveraging the resources that comes with a larger company and experienced private equity firm.”
“The continued growth of ecommerce and omnichannel is massively disrupting in-house supply chain operations and distribution requirements for outsourced 3PL operators,” said Tom St. Geme, Vice President, Thompson Street Capital Partners and Made4net investor. “The combination of Zethcon and Made4net creates a world-class WMS software provider with innovative solutions tailored to the needs of the mid-market; it now further enables both 3PL and non-3PL customers to modernize their supply chains through automation and real-time visibility.”
“We are excited to welcome Zethcon’s team and customers to Made4net,” said Duff Davidson, CEO of Made4net. “The Synapse WMS is recognized for offering rich 3PL functionality on a versatile platform, which is a natural match for Made4net’s configurable supply chain solutions. The combination of our companies and pooled resources will propel us into the forefront of innovative and powerful supply chain software solutions and first-class customer support.”
“Over the 20 years Synapse WMS has been in market, we have developed a reputation as 3PL distribution experts as our depth of functionality evolved with the more than 100 3PL companies adopting the solution,” said Oechsel. “The ability for Zethcon to continue its commitment to outstanding customer support and focus on being the best 3PL WMS platform available, is what made this partnership with Made4net so attractive.” In parallel with the transaction, Chris Oechsel will be joining Made4net as President of 3PL.
