Panasonic Corporation has completed the acquisition of Blue Yonder, the end-to-end digital fulfillment platform supplier. Panasonic has now bought the full 80 percent of Blue Yonder’s shares, in addition to the 20 percent it acquired in July 2020. Blue Yonder is worth USD8.5 billion as a result of the deal.
Panasonic has completed antitrust clearance procedures and gained regulatory permission from regulatory authorities in the United States and other countries since announcing the acquisition of all shares on April 23, 2021.
Panasonic and Blue Yonder have joined together to accelerate their common goal of an Autonomous Supply chain. Companies can create smarter and more connected e-commerce strategies, retail stores, warehouses, transportation, and workplaces by combining Panasonic’s sensing technologies and edge devices with Blue Yonder’s AI/ML-powered planning, execution, and commerce solutions. Customers can pivot operations in real-time, create improved customer experiences, and deliver more profitable business outcomes with this unique end-to-end service, which gives them infinite visibility, control, and orchestration.
“With the increasing frequency and impact of supply chain disruptions, companies need data and visibility to make real-time operations decisions. Panasonic’s Edge technology with Blue Yonder’s AI/ML capabilities combines IoT devices and an AI-powered platform to gather and analyze data more quickly and with greater insight,” explained industry analyst Simon Ellis, Program Vice President, IDC.
Also added, “Panasonic’s resources and Blue Yonder’s innovation will accelerate the development of the tools customers need to anticipate and prevent disruptions and breathe autonomy into their supply chains. Panasonic’s acquisition of Blue Yonder is indicative of what’s to come.”
This acquisition will aid panasonic’s own digital transformation and customer-centric strategy. On April 1, 2022, the Panasonic Group will transition to a holding company structure, focusing on strategic businesses such as supply chain innovation and automation. Panasonic hopes to contribute to the creation of a sustainable society by making more efficient use of limited world resources through this shift.
The Blue Yonder name will be kept, and the company will be integrated into Panasonic Connected Solutions. The entire executive team of Blue Yonder, including CEO Girish Rishi, will continue with the company.