Finance
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 readLast updated: March 3, 2026
Quick Summary
Thoma Bravo is nearing a deal to merge its software portfolio company Auctane with logistics provider WWEX Group, aiming to create an integrated shipping tech firm valued at up to $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
Frequently Asked Questions about Thoma Bravo nears deal for WWEX to create $12 billion shipping tech firm, Bloomberg News reports
1What 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.
2How much is WWEX Group valued at in this deal?
WWEX Group is valued at roughly $5 billion in the proposed acquisition.
3Who reported the Thoma Bravo and WWEX deal?
The deal was reported by Bloomberg News, citing sources familiar with the matter.
4What is the estimated combined value of the new shipping tech firm?
The merged shipping technology company could be worth up to $12 billion.
5Which companies will be combined under Thoma Bravo’s plan?
Thoma Bravo intends to combine WWEX Group with Auctane, an e-commerce shipping software provider.