Plus, Google makes its second-largest acquisition ever for cybersecurity company and a European Amazon aggregator raises funds.

JD Logistics Inc. plans to buy Chinese logistics firm Deppon Logistics Co. as the delivery arm of China ecommerce giant JD.com seeks to boost its network infrastructure in the world’s second-largest economy. JD.com is No. 1 in the Digital Commerce 360 Asia 300.

JD Logistics agreed to pay about 9 billion yuan ($1.42 billion) for Deppon Holdco, an investment vehicle that holds about 66.5% in Shanghai-listed Deppon Logistics, according to a statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange on Sunday. As part of the deal, JD Logistics will launch a mandatory general offer for all of Deppon shares at 13.15 yuan ($2.07) a piece, a 3.9% premium to the latest closing price, as required under Chinese rules.

The purchase price was determined by factors including Deppon’s earnings, its stock market performance and that of its peers, as well as the long-term strategic benefits of the transaction, according to the statement. JD Logistics plans to finance the acquisition with its own funds and financing.

Chinese companies including JD.com have been investing heavily in warehouses and logistics infrastructure as the coronavirus pandemic accelerated the shift to ecommerce. Last year, the tech giant’s infrastructure management unit JD Property agreed to buy a controlling stake in China Logistics Property Holdings Co. in a deal valuing the firm at about HK$16.4 billion ($2.1 billion).

advertisement

Deppon offers an integrated logistics services including less-than-truckload transportation, full truckload transport, delivery services and warehousing management, according to the statement. As of June of 2021, it counted more than 30,000 service stations across China, 143 transfer centers with more than 1.8 million square meters, and more than 15,000 vehicles.

Google to buy cybersecurity firm Mandiant for $5.4 Billion

Google agreed to acquire cybersecurity company Mandiant Inc. for $5.4 billion, its second-biggest deal ever. Owner Alphabet Inc. is No. 82 in the 2021 Digital Commerce 360 Top 1000.

With Mandiant, Google gets more tools to protect its cloud clients by responding quickly to online threats. The company is working to recruit and support cloud customers amid stiff competition from Microsoft Corp. (No. 95) and Amazon.com Inc. (No. 1). Following the close of the deal, Mandiant will be part of Google’s cloud business.

The cloud business could help Google diversify beyond advertising, which comprises the bulk of its revenue and profit. Under CEO Thomas Kurian, who took over in 2019, Google Cloud has sought myriad ways to expand. It’s working to make the service more reliable and revamping its partnerships to engineer bespoke projects for more clients.

advertisement

Google is snapping up Mandiant amid a flurry of deal-making in cybersecurity, as global anxiety continues over the potential ripple effects in cyberspace from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Mandiant has frequently detailed nation-state hacking activity — including cyber-espionage from Russia and China — as part of its threat intelligence offerings.

Amazon Aggregator Yaba raises $85 million

Southern European Amazon aggregator Yaba is snapping up more Amazon-native brands with a fresh $85 million in funding. Venture capital firm Crossbeam Venture Partners and credit fund Tikehau Capital led the round.

Since launch in 2020, Yaba has acquired 12 Amazon brands and generated $20 million in revenue across its brands during 2021. Yaba will use the funding for additional staff and acquire as many as 15 more companies by the end of 2022.

advertisement

Yaba is looking to expand in a variety of verticals, including existing categories like beauty and baby care, as well as new verticals like outdoor equipment and lighting.

Favorite