ACCC Forces WiseTech to Divest Expedient in Major Competition Ruling

The ACCC has accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from WiseTech Global (ASX: WTC) and its subsidiary BluJay Solutions (Australia) Pty. Ltd. requiring the divestiture of Expedient, a logistics software provider. The undertaking, accepted on 30 December 2025, follows an enforcement investigation into competition concerns arising from WiseTech’s 2025 acquisition of e2open Parent Holdings, Inc.

Digital supply chain systems showing freight forwarders, customs brokers and cargo tracking, highlighting ACCC oversight and compliance in Australia’s logistics software market.

WiseTech acquired Expedient through the broader e2open transaction, which completed in August 2025. According to the ACCC, WiseTech proceeded with the acquisition before the regulator had completed its review, despite being aware of the concerns raised. This prompted the ACCC to launch an investigation into whether the transaction may have breached Australian merger laws by substantially lessening competition.

Why the ACCC Intervened

Expedient previously competed directly with WiseTech’s flagship platform, CargoWise, in Australia and New Zealand. By bringing Expedient under WiseTech’s ownership, the ACCC determined that competition between the two key providers of logistics software was effectively removed.

The ACCC noted that WiseTech already holds significant market power in this sector, and industry feedback indicated that the loss of competition could lead to higher prices or diminished service quality for freight forwarders, customs brokers and cargo owners.

Logistics software plays a critical role in Australia’s import and export operations, meaning any reduction in competition has widespread implications for businesses and consumers.

The Undertaking: Restoring an Independent Competitor

To address these concerns, WiseTech and BluJay have committed to divest Expedient to an ACCC-approved purchaser capable of operating the business as a viable, long-term competitor. The undertaking:

• Is enforceable under section 87B of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010

• Requires the divestiture to occur under strict conditions

• Allows the ACCC to monitor compliance until the divestment is completed

The ACCC considers the undertaking sufficient to resolve its enforcement investigation, ensuring Expedient is restored as an independent player in the Australian logistics software market.

Australia’s New Merger Regime: A Key Turning Point

This matter also highlights the shift brought about by Australia’s new mandatory merger notification regime, which commenced on 1 January 2026.

Under the previous informal regime, companies were not required to obtain ACCC clearance prior to completing a merger or acquisition, even where competition concerns were significant. The WiseTech-e2open transaction took place under that system.

Under the new framework, acquisitions meeting the notification thresholds must now be formally notified to the ACCC and cannot be completed without regulatory clearance or approval from the Australian Competition Tribunal.

Importantly, the ACCC retains the power to investigate acquisitions below the thresholds if they may substantially lessen competition, and completing a notifiable transaction without approval may render the acquisition automatically void.

What This Means for Businesses

This case underscores the importance of understanding merger compliance obligations, particularly in sectors where competition concerns may be heightened. Businesses planning acquisitions, even those below mandatory thresholds, should be prepared to engage with the ACCC early to manage regulatory risk.

For organisations navigating mergers, acquisitions or competition concerns, obtaining specialist legal advice is critical.

Bane Legal Services does not provide legal advice. However, our 30 years of commercial experience mean we can connect your business with the right competition and commercial law experts to support your transaction strategy.

If your business is considering an acquisition or facing competition-related issues, we can match you to a lawyer with the appropriate expertise.

Original media release published by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).