Wincanton has sealed an exclusive deal with logistics tech innovator Zeus to acquire the evergreen rights to its digital freight management solutions in the UK and Ireland.

Following its agreement with Wincanton, Zeus will continue to operate from its UK headquarters, but withdraw from actively servicing the UK market.

Wincanton said that its acquisition of Zeus’ Freight Connect and Freight Command software rights will enable it to enhance EyeQ, its digital transport planning and optimisation product.

The move is part of a wider strategic shift, launched by the supply chain giant last year, which focuses on transport management services powered by digital technology.

The strategy aims to make the company the partner of choice for managed customer fleets, a move underpinned by recent contract wins with Sainsbury’s, Primark, and New Look, for subcontracted outsourced 4PL needs, and its recent deal with Marshalls, which utilises both models.

Zeus’ logistics-tech products optimise freight management, streamlining processes through an overland network management tool, which allows hauliers to automate their subcontracting processes, and provides drivers with easy-to-use access to their routes through the dedicated driver app.

The company was launched by entrepreneurs Jai Kanwar (pictured left) and Clemente Theotokis (pictured right) in 2020 with the goal of pioneering new approaches to freight efficiency and now has over 60 major enterprise customers in 13 countries across Europe, moving approximately 300,000 tonnes of cargo per year, worth £800m.

Zeus said the deal with Wincanton allows it to invest in its next growth phase and strategic direction which aims to expand into more markets throughout Europe as well as fast growth international markets such as India.

Commenting on the agreement, Daniel Porte, Wincanton strategy director, said: ”Our agreement with Zeus for the exclusive use of its proven technology will greatly enhance our customer and sub-contraction solutions.

”By investing in innovation, we are transforming subcontractor management and supercharging Wincanton’s capabilities as the supply chain partner of choice.”

Clemente Theotokis, Zeus co-founder, added: “For an angel-funded business to achieve a partnership of this magnitude, against these economic challenges, just shows what can be achieved with a clear business mission to move a market forward.

”With Wincanton, we have found a partner who shares this vision, with the scale and scope to make a dramatic difference to the sustainability of freight in this country, now and into the future.”

 

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