Ryder System Inc., a provider of supply chain, dedicated transportation and fleet management solutions, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Whiplash, a national provider of omnichannel fulfillment and logistics services, for approximately $480 million in cash. Based in City of Industry, California, Whiplash provides scalable e-commerce and omnichannel fulfillment solutions to a roster of more than 250 brands. The company’s 19 dedicated and multi-client warehouses total nearly seven million square feet and provide access to key port operations and gateway markets.
The transaction is accretive to shareholders and is expected to add approximately $480 million in gross revenue to Ryder’s supply chain solutions business segment in 2022 and provide incremental growth to Ryder’s earnings in 2022. Ryder and Whiplash expect to complete the transaction in late December 2021 or early January 2022, subject to satisfaction of antitrust approvals and customary closing conditions.
“The acquisition of Whiplash is consistent with our strategy to accelerate growth in our higher-return supply chain business. It also expands our e-commerce and omnichannel fulfillment network and reflects our continued focus on technology and innovation,” says Robert Sanchez, chairman and chief executive officer for Ryder. “Whiplash’s best-in-class e-commerce platform and key geographic strongholds — coupled with Ryder’s industry-leading transportation logistics solutions, including our robust Ryder Last Mile delivery network for big-and-bulky goods — positions us to deliver incredible value for our customers who are looking for more advanced e-fulfillment solutions in today’s ever-changing landscape.”
Ryder expects to integrate Whiplash’s facilities, operations, technology, and warehouse automation and robotics into its e-commerce fulfillment solution within the supply chain solutions business unit. Additionally, Ryder plans to retain Whiplash’s executive team and workforce, with their proven operational expertise, to execute the growth and customer solutions in this segment.
“This announcement signals a new accelerated phase of growth for Whiplash that will benefit our current customers and dramatically enhance our ability to scale and deliver innovation for digitally-native brands and omnichannel retailers,” says Jeff Wolpov, chief executive officer of Whiplash. “Ryder’s supply chain expertise, facility network and last-mile transportation solutions are a perfect complement to the Whiplash e-commerce platform, and we’re excited to be part of the Ryder team.”
About Ryder System Inc.
Ryder System Inc. is a logistics and transportation company, providing supply chain, dedicated transportation and fleet management solutions to some of the world’s most-recognized brands. Ryder provides services throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada and the United Kingdom. In addition, Ryder manages nearly 235,000 commercial vehicles and operates more than 300 warehouses, encompassing approximately 64 million square feet.
About Whiplash
PLG Investments I, LLC, d/b/a Whiplash, is a provider of direct-to-consumer fulfillment and retail logistics, including end-to-end customer care, transportation, distribution and value-added warehouse services. Its high-performance operations are supported by its namesake e-commerce platform and a suite of advanced technology solutions, enabling the multi-channel connectivity required by the retail supply chains of today and tomorrow.
