PE Tech Report

NEWSLETTER

Like this article?

Sign up to our free newsletter

Thomas H Lee Partners acquires AutoStore

Thomas H Lee Partners (THL), a private equity firm investing in growth companies, is to acquire AutoStore, a robotics and software company providing automation technology to warehouse & distribution facilities around the world. 

Members of AutoStore’s senior management team and EQT, among others, will continue to hold minority positions in the Company. EQT will also remain on the Board alongside THL going forward. Terms of the transaction, which is expected to close during the third quarter of 2019, have not been disclosed.

Founded in 1996 and located in Nedre Vats, Norway, AutoStore designs and engineers patented high-speed robots, highly modular and flexible cube storage grid systems, and proprietary controls software that enable its customers to achieve nearly four times the inventory storage relative to manual alternatives, with enhanced inventory picking speed and accuracy. With over 11,000 robots in operation across 28 countries, AutoStore is the most deployed provider of grid-based, high density goods-to-person systems, participating in the global automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) market. Global megatrends, including increasing focus on automation and robotisation, urbanisation and need for space efficient solutions, as well as eCommerce demands requiring increased speed and accuracy, are all expected to continue to fuel AutoStore’s growth globally.

The recapitalisation will ensure AutoStore has the resources needed to build upon its leading robotic technology and software platform, accelerate new product innovation for its customers, and execute on broader global growth objectives.

“We are thrilled about the opportunity to partner with the AutoStore team,” says Jim Carlisle, Managing Director at THL. “Through its grid-based technology and proprietary software platform, AutoStore has demonstrated a superb reputation in the marketplace underpinned by its visionary engineering and R&D talent, impressive global distribution network, and exceptional product quality. We are excited to invest behind Karl Johan and his team and look forward to supporting AutoStore’s rapid growth.”

“Today’s announcement marks a great step forward into the next phase of our Company’s growth,” says AutoStore CEO and President, Karl Johan Lier. “We are excited to partner with THL, who have deep industry expertise and financial and operational resources to help accelerate AutoStore’s overall growth strategy, including our continued geographic expansion.”

Morgan Stanley & Co acted as financial advisor, Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor, PwC acted as accounting and tax advisor and Marsh acted as insurance & benefits advisor to THL.

Like this article? Sign up to our free newsletter

MOST POPULAR

FURTHER READING

Featured