E-Commerce Acquisitions in Illinois

LeafLink has acquired Leaf Trade, a wholesale marketplace serving multi-state operators (MSOs) and enterprise cannabis companies, to expand its B2B marketplace capabilities and streamline technology for cannabis operators. The combined platforms will operate as-is while LeafLink rolls out an integration roadmap to deliver expanded marketplace, payments, banking, analytics, and retailer tools.

Gordon Brothers has completed the acquisition of substantially all the assets of Catch Co., the owner of Mystery Tackle Box and a portfolio of fishing brands. The asset purchase preserves the business operations and jobs while positioning the brands for future growth under Gordon Brothers' ownership.

An affiliate of Nexus Capital Management LP acquired FTD's consumer and florist businesses, including the FTD and ProFlowers brands and the FTD florist network, taking the company private. Nexus established a new capital structure to strengthen FTD's balance sheet and invest in its digital platform, brand, and network of florists; Jeff Clarke was named Executive Chairman.

Westbridge Capital Ltd. has completed the acquisition of sliBuy Inc., a Shorewood, Illinois-based no-reserve online auction marketplace that purchases and resells store-level inventory from major US retailers. Founder Michael Ringelsten will remain as a shareholder and director, and Steve Fitzgerald has been appointed CEO; Westbridge says it will provide financial and operational support to accelerate growth and diversify its portfolio.

Global Resale, LLC has acquired Tech Trade Partners, a suburban Chicago-based reseller and refurbisher of pre-owned and off-lease IT equipment. The deal combines Tech Trade's e-commerce and refurbishment capabilities with Global Resale's lifecycle services and remarketing relationships to expand scale, capabilities and Midwest presence; terms were not disclosed.

Vertical Supply Group (a Platte River Equity portfolio company) has acquired Rescue Direct, a specialty e-commerce retailer and supplier of technical rescue gear based in Utica, Illinois. Rescue Direct will be integrated into VSG’s distribution operations to expand VSG’s rescue-specific product offering and accelerate inventory availability and service for rescue customers.

Infinite Electronics, Inc. has acquired NavePoint, a Libertyville, Illinois-based online provider of networking racks, cabinets, cables and accessories. The acquisition adds NavePoint’s product portfolio and team (~25 employees) to Infinite’s networking offerings to expand technical capabilities and reach into data center and corporate IT customers.

FedEx Corporation completed its acquisition of ShopRunner, an e-commerce platform that connects brands and merchants with online shoppers. ShopRunner will operate within FedEx Dataworks to combine its pre-purchase, data-driven marketing and omnichannel capabilities with FedEx's logistics and post-purchase services to expand FedEx's e-commerce offering.

Flat River Group, a portfolio company of Guardian Capital Partners, has acquired Optimum Fulfillment, a Peru, Illinois-based wholesale distributor and eCommerce fulfillment provider for toys, games and other consumer products. The acquisition is an add-on to Flat River Group’s platform and is intended to combine operational, technological and service capabilities to better support vendor partners and eCommerce retailer customers.

LiveXLive Media, Inc. agreed to acquire 100% of Custom Personalization Solutions, LLC (CPS) in an all-stock deal valued up to $6.0 million, expected to close by December 31, 2020. CPS, a Addison, Illinois–based e-commerce personalization and licensed-merchandise business with roughly 70 employees and approximately $19 million of revenue in 2019, will expand LiveXLive's commerce capabilities and diversify revenue beyond content and advertising.