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Thoma Bravo nears deal for WWEX to create $12 billion shipping tech firm, Bloomberg News reports

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on March 3, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: April 2, 2026

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March 2 (Reuters) - U.S. private equity firm Thoma Bravo is in advanced talks to buy third-party logistics provider WWEX Group to create a shipping technology business worth as much as $12 billion,

Thoma Bravo Set to Acquire WWEX, Form $12 Billion Shipping Tech Firm

Major Acquisition in the Shipping Technology Sector

Deal Overview

March 2 (Reuters) - U.S. private equity firm Thoma Bravo is in advanced talks to buy third-party logistics provider WWEX Group to create a shipping technology business worth as much as $12 billion, Bloomberg News reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Valuation and Announcement Timeline

The buyout would value WWEX roughly at $5 billion, and could be announced as soon as Tuesday, the report added.

Strategic Plans and Portfolio Integration

Combining WWEX with Auctane

Software-focused Thoma Bravo plans to combine WWEX with Auctane, an e-commerce shipping software provider in its portfolio, according to Bloomberg.

Official Responses

Thoma Bravo did not immediately respond to a Reuters' request for comment. WWEX, which includes the Worldwide Express brand, declined to comment.

(Reporting by Carlos Méndez in Mexico City; Editing by Sumana Nandy and Sherry Jacob-Phillips)

Key Takeaways

  • The transaction would value WWEX at around $5 billion and include a $500 million equity injection from Thoma Bravo
  • Thoma Bravo plans to raise approximately $5 billion in private credit—potentially from lenders like Blackstone—to finance the merger and refinance existing debt
  • The combined entity would integrate Auctane’s e‑commerce shipping software with WWEX’s 3PL network, targeting operational synergies and vertical integration

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Thoma Bravo's plan with WWEX Group?
Thoma Bravo plans to acquire WWEX Group and merge it with Auctane to create a major shipping technology company.
How much is WWEX Group valued at in this deal?
WWEX Group is valued at roughly $5 billion in the proposed acquisition.
Who reported the Thoma Bravo and WWEX deal?
The deal was reported by Bloomberg News, citing sources familiar with the matter.
What is the estimated combined value of the new shipping tech firm?
The merged shipping technology company could be worth up to $12 billion.
Which companies will be combined under Thoma Bravo’s plan?
Thoma Bravo intends to combine WWEX Group with Auctane, an e-commerce shipping software provider.

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