Ingka Group buys AI powered logistics software firm Locus to boost Ikea home delivery experience
Ingka Investments, the investment arm of Ingka Group, the largest Ikea retailer, has announced the acquisition of Locus, a logistics technology company based in the USA. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Locus offers an AI powered logistics management platform, featuring route optimisation, real-time tracking, as well as the smart use of vehicles and resources. According to both parties, by integrating these capabilities, Locus will better enable Ingka Group to enhance efficiency across the supply chain – from capacity management and optimisation to last mile execution.
“This acquisition aligns perfectly with our commitment to improving the customer journey at every touchpoint. By bringing Locus’s technology in-house, we’re taking control of a crucial element in our fulfilment chain, allowing us to deliver with greater speed and flexibility to the many,” says Tolga Öncü, Head of Ikea Retail (Ingka Group).
Parag Parekh, Global CDO at Ikea Retail (Ingka Group), comments: “Our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many, and that includes delivering products when and how customers want them. This acquisition strengthens the digital capabilities required to meet rising customer expectations, while ensuring the quality and reliability Ikea is known for.”
Nishith Rastogi, Founder and CEO at Locus, says: “Joining the Ikea family marks a historic milestone for Locus and the customers we serve. This partnership preserves our independence and ensures our perpetuity, while unlocking the scale and resources to serve our global enterprise customers with unmatched research and development.”
“To usher in this new phase, we will expand significantly across product, engineering, and revenue teams, to build a legacy of innovation and impact spanning decades, not years.”
Following the acquisition, Locus will remain operationally independent while continuing to grow its services for partners beyond Ingka Group.
