Thoma Bravo is making one of its biggest moves yet in logistics. The US-based private equity firm has signed a definitive agreement to acquire WWEX Group and combine it with its portfolio company Auctane.
According to the company, the goal is clear: build one of the world’s largest logistics and shipping technology platforms. The announcement was made by Thoma Bravo, which describes itself as the world’s largest software-focused investment firm, managing over $181 billion in assets.
A deal to build scale
WWEX Group is a major third-party logistics provider. Its brands include Worldwide Express, GlobalTranz, Unishippers, JEAR Logistics and BLX Logistics. Together, the company serves more than 130,000 customers and moves over 70 million shipments each year. In 2025, it reported around $5 billion in annual systemwide revenue.
Thoma Bravo is buying WWEX from a group of investors that includes CVC Capital Partners, Providence Equity Partners, Ridgemont Equity Partners and PSG. Some of these investors, including CVC Funds, will roll over part of their equity and keep a minority stake in the new combined company.
Once the deal closes, WWEX will be merged with Auctane. Auctane is known for its e-commerce shipping and fulfilment software, including brands like ShipStation, Stamps.com, Metapack and Packlink.
It connects online sellers with carriers and helps manage shipping operations through cloud-based tools. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
The acquisition
On one side, WWEX offers physical freight brokerage, parcel services and a strong nationwide sales network of more than 2,300 sales professionals. On the other hand, Auctane provides digital shipping software, global carrier connectivity and automation tools.
Together, the companies plan to offer an end-to-end logistics platform. That means businesses could manage everything from checkout and order processing to final delivery using one integrated system.
Over the past 20-plus years, Thoma Bravo has acquired or invested in over 565 software and technology companies, representing approximately $285 billion of aggregate value (including control and non-control investments, as well as add-on acquisitions).
“This combination brings together two complementary leaders at a pivotal moment for the logistics industry,” said Brian Jaffee, a Partner at Thoma Bravo. “Auctane’s category-defining shipping software and WWEX Group’s scaled parcel and freight service offerings create an integrated solution with the data, distribution and volume necessary to help customers drive smarter decision-making and superior execution across the logistics lifecycle. Together, we believe the company is uniquely positioned to define the next generation of AI-enabled logistics.”
“Today’s announcement is a significant milestone for us,” said Tom Madine, CEO of WWEX Group. “By combining WWEX Group’s brands and our position as a leading provider of parcel and freight services with Auctane’s global ecosystem of e-commerce shipping software, we are creating a platform of tremendous potential. Our customers will benefit from deeper technology capabilities and the expanded resources of a combined company built to support their growth. We are grateful for the continued support of our investors and look forward to working with Thoma Bravo and Auctane to drive this next chapter of innovation.”
