Inwave Expands Global Footprint with Swedish Gateway Acquisition
Acquisition strengthens the Brazilian company's presence in Europe and consolidates its growth strategy through technology, data, and operational intelligence.
Inwave, a Brazilian retail tech company, has taken a significant leap in its international expansion by acquiring Swedish Gateway, a well-respected provider of electronic article surveillance (EAS) solutions for retail chains. Founded in 1994, Gateway boasts a presence in over 120 countries, reaching retailers through a network of 70 distributors globally.
Strategic Internationalization Initiative
This acquisition is a pivotal move in Inwave's strategy to broaden its presence in international markets. Already exporting around 40% of its hardware, Inwave has built a strong reputation for its technological acumen and is poised for a new wave of growth. The company plans to blend organic expansion efforts with the integration of its AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) platform to enhance its offerings.
Post-acquisition, Inwave will benefit from Gateway's established technology, further fortified by connectivity and data intelligence seamlessly integrated into Inwave's existing solutions. The company will now operate out of two main bases in Brazil and Europe, with plans to maintain Gateway's local leadership team, including executive Jenny Tielman.
Innovative Technology and Market Expansion
Inwave's hardware and software development teams will bolster the operations resulting from this acquisition, facilitating entry into key markets while replicating Inwave's successful growth strategy first implemented in Brazil. The emphasis will be on transitioning from traditional hardware manufacturing to a more integrated retail technology approach, prioritizing AIoT solutions, big data analytics, RFID technology, and real-time insights for retailers.
According to Rubens Bulgarelli Filho, the General Manager at Inwave, "We are combining complementary expertise to accelerate a more connected, efficient, and data-driven retail model. The addition of Gateway strengthens our global presence with a legacy brand that is technically and commercially respected. This path mirrors the journey we began five years ago in Brazil, and now we are bringing that experience to Europe."
Transforming Retail Technology Landscape
Inwave's growth trajectory over the last five years has been remarkable, with a sevenfold increase in revenue, establishing itself as a key player in the Latin American retail tech landscape. The strategic shift towards integrated solutions began in 2021, and by 2024, the company launched the Darwin platform, focusing on three critical areas: loss prevention, operational efficiency, and enhancing customer experience.
Currently, the Darwin platform is in a pilot phase with one of France's largest supermarket chains, displaying an impressive 99% conversion rate during proof of concept initiatives in Brazil. This robust performance is expected to lead to a projected 300% growth in licensing contract bookings over the upcoming year.
A Promising Future with a Strong Foundation
Inwave's innovative approach to retail tech has positioned the company for broader recognition, with significant projects already acknowledged by two of the world’s leading CCTV manufacturers. Furthermore, the company's expansive reach is reflected in its network of over 8,000 connected points of sale, complemented by Gateway’s access to more than 40,000 stores worldwide.
Inwave serves a diverse array of retail clients, encompassing notable names such as Auchan, Carrefour, C&A, Continente (Sonae), Cencosud, Falabella, Lacoste, Leroy Merlin, Leclerc, New Balance, Nike, North Face, Printemps, and Sephora — reinforcing its credibility as an emerging global leader in retail intelligence.
This acquisition, supported partially by Danish fund DSG, marks a crucial step forward for Inwave, further establishing its reputation as a trustworthy technology provider for retailers and solidifying Gateway’s role in the industry during a time of renewal and innovation.
Tom Christensen, a Danish executive and spokesperson for DSG, remarked, "Challenging issues like losses, operational inefficiencies, and escalating costs are universal in global retail. Inwave’s holistic approach uniquely combines cutting-edge technology with smart operational strategies. This drives down losses, optimizes processes, and boosts customer service and loyalty, presenting significant opportunities to extend these innovations globally."
With the acquisition of Gateway, Inwave is positioning itself as a frontrunner in the retail tech sphere, ready to embrace new international markets while enhancing its operational capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Inwave's acquisition of Swedish Gateway?
This acquisition enhances Inwave's international presence and integrates advanced EAS technology to extend its retail tech offerings.
How does Inwave plan to integrate Gateway's technology?
Gateway's technology will be enhanced with connectivity and data intelligence, supporting Inwave’s AIoT platform for improved retail solutions.
What strategy is Inwave using for its international growth?
Inwave is combining organic growth with acquisitions and technology integration, emphasizing a robust AIoT framework.
What past successes has Inwave achieved in the retail sector?
Inwave has significantly scaled its revenue and started a strategic transition to integrated tech solutions over recent years, leading the retail tech market in Latin America.
Who are some of the retailers served by Inwave?
Inwave's clients include major retailers like Auchan, Carrefour, C&A, and Nike, showcasing its broad market reach and capability.
