May 26 (Reuters) - Australian software company WiseTech

Global ( WTCHF ) on Monday announced its biggest deal to date,

buying out U.S. cloud computing firm E2open for $2.1

billion to broaden its product offerings.

The deal, which will be fully funded through a new $3

billion debt facility underwritten by a syndicate of nine

lenders including Deutsche Bank and HSBC, marks a significant

bet by WiseTech on expanding its global footprint.

WiseTech, known for its flagship CargoWise platform, is

offering $3.30 per E2open share - a 24.5% premium to the U.S.

company's last closing price.

Shares in WiseTech opened more than 5% higher in Sydney

and last traded up 5.2% at A$106.

The acquisition would significantly enhance WiseTech's

software capabilities, adding solutions in supply chain

planning, procurement, trade compliance, and channel management.

The acquisition also arrives at a pivotal moment for the

Sydney-headquartered company.

Billionaire co-founder and largest shareholder Richard

White stepped down as chief executive in October 2024 after

media reports alleged payments to a former sexual partner,

prompting reputational scrutiny and a steep sell-off in shares.

E2open has recently been facing worries around its

growth trajectory amid heightened macroeconomic uncertainty.

The latest acquisition dwarfs WiseTech's previous deals,

including the $414 million purchase of Blume Global in 2023, and

positions the firm more squarely within the broader enterprise

logistics and supply chain tech landscape.