Royal Mail has announced it has acquired Intersoft Systems and Programming Ltd (Intersoft) a provider of delivery management software for international parcel shipments.
"Intersoft has more than 20 years’ experience working with a large number of UK, European and global carriers including Royal Mail. Through its Intelligent Shipper product, customers can fully manage their delivery options through the entire delivery journey," the UK group explained.
"This includes order management and carrier selection, through to delivery performance, invoice checking and payment authorisation among other services. Its bespoke modular system, combined with easy integration to a carrier of choice, serves the interests of large and small companies that operate internationally.
"Intersoft will be operated at arms-length, as a standalone external facing subsidiary, enabling it to continue to securely provide services to all of its existing customers…..The financial terms of the transaction are not material in the context of the Royal Mail Group as a whole," Royal Mail added.
The acquisition of Intersoft complemented those of data management and labelling provider NetDespatch and delivery software developer Storefeeder, both purchased last year and further enhanced Royal Mail's in-house IT capability.
"It underpins Royal Mail’s objective to provide customers with flexible, integrated, technologically advanced solutions that make shipping parcels easier."
Nick Landon, Managing Director of Royal Mail Parcels said: “Technological capability is essential in today’s e-commerce driven marketplace and our acquisition of Intersoft will further cement our offering in this space. Intersoft will give our customers access to bespoke, international shipping solutions and as with NetDespatch and Storefeeder, is part of our strategy to grow our parcels business.”
James Macrae, Managing Director of Intersoft commented: “This deal secures our commitment to provide both existing and new customers with an incredible international parcel delivery system, Intelligent Shipper. Management and staff at Intersoft look forward to new opportunities and our exciting future together with Royal Mail.”
Last year also saw Royal Mail secure a stake in Market Engine Global Pty Limited, an Australian e-commerce technology start-up that helps businesses to manage online shop fronts in global marketplaces that are fully-translated for the local market.
It also purchased a shareholding in Mallzee, a “personal shopping” app which offers customers achoice of over 100 fashion brands as an additional sales channel for clothing retailers
