Sydney-based logistics software company WiseTech Global has revealed its latest ploy to expand its global customs capabilities with the acquisition of electronic customs and freight forwarding solutions business Aktiv Data.
WiseTech Global, the developer of CargoWise, is now looking to expand its operations into Finland with the acquisition of Aktiv Data.
Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Jakobstad, Finland, Aktiv Data offers a cloud-based freight forward and customs systems, nTrax, as well as freight forwarding, bonded warehouse and waybill products.
Its system nTrax supports multiple local and transit customs procedures with a direct message exchange to the Finnish Customs office. WiseTech Global says Aktiv Data’s customers are international and Finnish forwarders and shippers, including Steveco.
“With many years of customs and compliance product development in Finland, Aktiv Data provides a proven and sophisticated electronic customs solution that we will offer to CargoWise customers, making it easier for them to comply with Finland’s cross-border requirements,” WiseTech Global CEO Vlad Bilanovsky says.
“Our strategy is to provide a single global customs system for customs clearance and cross-border compliance to make customs processing more efficient, compliant and secure for international freight forwarders.
“With the Aktiv Data acquisition, our global customs system will cover approximately 76 per cent of global manufactured trade flows via a combination of our native customs platform and acquired businesses, taking us closer to our 90 per cent target.”
Aktiv Data’s operations will be integrated within the WiseTech Global group and remain under the current leadership of Kaj Svarvar. Aktiv Data will also continue to deliver its customs solutions directly to customers and offer other CargoWise solutions over time.
“We are excited to join WiseTech Global and become a part of its global customs footprint,” Aktiv Data CEO Kaj Svarvar says.
“Our nTrax customers will benefit from being able to access CargoWise’s customs and compliance capabilities in other countries to ensure goods move smoothly across borders to avoid cargo delays, inspection fees and fines, as well as the opportunity to expand their business using the CargoWise platform.”