So Your eCommerce Platform Was Acquired: Here’s What That Means for You

By Kyle Fitzsimmons, Marketing Content Manager for Ultra Commerce

Mergers and acquisitions occur in every industry, but in the burgeoning world of eCommerce technology they can be particularly common. Larger less specialized technology companies specifically are constantly looking to acquire companies with built in brand cachet in order to cash in on their market share. They then build upon that success by using their tech to improve the customer experience and digital buying journey, thus further boosting the value of their acquisition.

With this fact of life in doing business in a technology- and online-driven world, what are the acquired eCommerce technology platforms to do when all of a sudden they lose the power and leverage to work the way they’ve grown accustomed to over the years, giving way to the less specialized acquired tech? To essentially be ‘booted’ from the platform they know in and out, its strengths and weaknesses, and placed firmly in the realm of the unfamiliar?

So your eCommerce company was just acquired by a larger technology company not as versed in eCommerce. Here is what that means for your eCommerce platform, moving forward:

• Potential security issues. You know the security and licensing qualifications of your current platform have your company and your customers covered. But now that you’ve been acquired that platform will languish – no new updates to ensure your security is airtight from threats.
• Performance issues. Aside from security, no more attention being paid to the acquiree’s platform means it will fall behind on the latest technology and performance updates, leading to a lesser platform as a result of your recent merger.
• Bait and switch. M&A’s almost never go completely smoothly and there is always road bumps throughout the migration process that can lead to inopportune outcomes for both employees and customers. Rarely is everything promised at sale what is delivered completely as promised through the transition process.
• Innovation no more. Once acquired, your company’s platform and online presence will take a hit. Gone are the days of innovation, staying modern and ahead of the curve in your eCommerce offerings.

The eCommerce platform that you can grow with

With these uncertainties, it is essential your company chooses a technology partner and an eCommerce platform that is 100% committed and passionate about innovations on their platform and their platform only. Without constantly looking over the fence at their neighbor’s yard for greener pastures, we here at Ultra Commerce know our grass is greenest and are solely committed to our platform and its optimal performance for the success of our customers and their customers. Contact us today to learn more.