WWEX Group and Auctane Complete Merger, Creating Leading Logistics Provider ShipStation Global

The combination creates the most comprehensive, AI-enabled logistics platform for small and mid-sized businesses

DALLAS & AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WWEX Group, a leading third-party logistics provider of parcel and freight services, and Auctane, a global technology company known for products including ShipStation, Stamps.com, Metapack, and Packlink, today announced the successful completion of their merger. The combined company will operate as ShipStation Global and is backed by Thoma Bravo, the world’s largest software-focused investment firm. CVC Funds and other existing WWEX Group investors retain a significant minority stake in the combined company.

The merger unites WWEX Group’s freight brokerage platform and network of more than 2,300 sales professionals with Auctane’s AI-powered shipping software, global carrier connectivity, and automation capabilities. Together, the combined company gives growing businesses the operational power, technology, relationships, and scale that have historically been accessible only to the largest players in the industry.

“Small and mid-sized businesses have been forced to stitch together multiple tools and relationships just to keep up,” said Tom Madine, CEO of ShipStation Global. “ShipStation Global changes that. We’re combining the best AI-powered shipping software in the market with one of the country’s most powerful freight networks — and we’re building it specifically for the businesses that need it most. Today is the start of something that’s been a long time coming.”

Setting a New Standard for Logistics

The logistics industry is at an inflection point. As technology advances and supply chains grow more complex, the gap between large enterprises and growing businesses continues to widen. ShipStation Global was built to close that gap by giving small and mid-sized businesses the data, intelligent automation, and expert support they need to remain nimble and unlock value across the entire supply chain.

ShipStation Global serves more than 3 million customers and moves over 3 billion shipments per year, leveraging a partner network of more than 75 less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers; 350 regional, national, and international carriers; 600 technology partners; and 45,000 truckload carriers. The Company connects logistics across parcel, LTL, truckload, and global shipping all in a single, integrated platform.

"The combination of Auctane and WWEX Group comes at a pivotal moment, as AI fundamentally changes the way organizations are able to manage their shipping and logistics operations," said Brian Jaffee, a Partner at Thoma Bravo. "ShipStation Global brings together AI-powered shipping software and best-in-class freight and parcel services in a way that gives businesses of every size the tools and scale to compete. We are excited to support the ShipStation Global team as they build the category-defining, intelligent platform for modern logistics."

“We are thrilled to continue our journey with WWEX Group as part of this new, expanded platform,” said Aaron Dupuis, a Managing Partner at CVC. “By uniting WWEX Group’s commercial engine with Auctane’s global software footprint, we are creating a company with the reach, technology, and talent to deliver real results for customers — and we look forward to supporting ShipStation Global’s next chapter of growth.”

ShipStation Global’s portfolio includes ShipStation, Stamps.com, Metapack, Packlink, Worldwide Express, GlobalTranz, Unishippers, JEAR Logistics, and BLX Logistics. The Company will be based in Texas, with offices in Dallas and Austin.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal advisor to Thoma Bravo and Auctane. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC served as joint lead financial advisors to WWEX Group. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and UBS Investment Bank also acted as financial advisors to WWEX Group. Latham & Watkins LLP served as legal advisor to CVC and WWEX Group.

About ShipStation Global

ShipStation Global is the #1 intelligent logistics platform for small and mid-sized shippers. We power millions of businesses and billions of shipments annually — giving growing companies the scale, technology, and expert support they need to use logistics as a competitive advantage. We operate a portfolio of trusted brands across shipping, freight, and fulfillment, with a commitment to building the most comprehensive end-to-end logistics platform in the market. Because when logistics works, businesses win. ShipStation Global brands include ShipStation, Stamps.com, Worldwide Express, GlobalTranz, Metapack, Packlink, Unishippers, JEAR Logistics, and BLX Logistics. Learn more at www.shipstationglobal.com.

About Thoma Bravo

Thoma Bravo is the world’s largest software-focused investment firm, with more than $172 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2026. Partnering with some of the world’s most sophisticated investors, Thoma Bravo’s private equity and private credit platforms reflect a focused investment strategy, supported by disciplined execution, deep sector expertise and leadership continuity. Over the past 20-plus years, Thoma Bravo has acquired or invested in approximately 590 software and technology companies, representing approximately $320 billion of aggregate enterprise value (including control and non-control investments, as well as add-on acquisitions). Learn more at thomabravo.com and on LinkedIn.

About CVC

CVC is a leading global private markets manager with a strong presence across private equity, secondaries, credit, and infrastructure. CVC Capital Partners Fund VIII was among the consortium of investors from which Thoma Bravo acquired WWEX Group, and CVC Funds retain a significant minority stake in ShipStation Global. Learn more at cvc.com.