Cleo’s strategic acquisition of DataTrans Solutions signals a new era in procurement automation

In a move set to reshape the landscape of procurement automation and supply chain integration, Cleo, a global leader in ecosystem integration software solutions, has officially acquired DataTrans Solutions, a prominent provider of cloud-based EDI and procurement automation solutions. The acquisition was facilitated by Tequity Advisors, a North American strategic M&A advisory firm specialising in enterprise B2B SaaS, Cloud, and IT transactions. Although the financial details of the deal remain confidential, the implications for both companies—and the broader industry—are significant.

This strategic acquisition positions Cleo to enhance its flagship platform, Cleo Integration Cloud (CIC), with the advanced technology and expertise of DataTrans Solutions. By integrating DataTrans’ capabilities, Cleo aims to streamline procurement processes, optimise working capital management, and strengthen supplier relationships for businesses operating in complex supply chain environments.

Why Cleo acquired DataTrans Solutions: Strengthening supply chain integration

The acquisition aligns with Cleo’s long-term strategy to expand its ecosystem integration capabilities. As global supply chains become increasingly intricate, the demand for robust, automated solutions to manage procurement and data integration continues to grow. Cleo’s President and CEO, Mahesh Rajasekharan, underscored the importance of this deal in realising the company’s vision of end-to-end supply chain orchestration.

“Cleo’s mission has always been to bridge the gap between supply chain planning and execution,” Rajasekharan stated. “With DataTrans Solutions’ technology embedded into Cleo Integration Cloud, we are empowering procurement teams to reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and minimise supply chain risks—all through advanced automation.”

The integration of DataTrans’ solutions is expected to enhance Cleo’s ability to offer comprehensive, real-time visibility into business-critical data flows. This visibility is key for companies looking to improve decision-making, reduce manual errors, and respond swiftly to market disruptions—factors that are increasingly vital in today’s volatile global economy.

DataTrans Solutions: A transformative partnership for the future of procurement automation

For DataTrans Solutions, the acquisition represents an opportunity to accelerate growth and innovation. The company, known for its leading-edge procurement automation solutions and EDI platforms, has built a strong reputation for helping businesses streamline supply chain operations. Joining forces with Cleo will enable DataTrans to scale its solutions and deliver even greater value to its customer base.

Mike Franks, CEO of DataTrans Solutions, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, describing it as a pivotal moment for the company’s future.

“Becoming part of Cleo marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for DataTrans,” Franks said. “With Cleo’s innovation-driven approach and global reach, we will accelerate the adoption of procurement automation solutions and expand the impact of our technology. This partnership will allow us to deliver enhanced capabilities to our customers while driving transformative change across industries.”

Franks also praised Tequity Advisors for their role in facilitating the acquisition, highlighting their expertise in navigating complex M&A processes. “Tequity provided invaluable guidance throughout the acquisition. Their strategic insights and professional leadership ensured a smooth transaction, exceeding our expectations at every stage.”

Tequity Advisors’ role in a dynamic M&A landscape

The deal was orchestrated with the exclusive advisory support of Tequity Advisors, a firm renowned for its focus on M&A transactions within the SaaS and IT sectors. Anish Singla, Managing Partner and Co-Founder at Tequity, noted that the current M&A environment presents unique opportunities for technology companies.

“The M&A landscape for SaaS companies in 2025 offers an exceptional window of opportunity,” Singla explained. “Strong investor interest in recurring revenue models, coupled with strategic buyers looking to expand through acquisition, makes this an ideal time for founders to capitalise on market momentum. The Cleo-DataTrans transaction is a perfect example of how well-aligned strategic partnerships can create significant value.”

Tequity’s involvement underscores the importance of having experienced advisors in complex M&A deals, particularly when navigating the evolving dynamics of the technology sector. Their expertise ensured that both Cleo and DataTrans maximised the strategic benefits of the acquisition.

How this acquisition shapes the future of procurement automation

The acquisition reflects broader trends in the enterprise technology space, where digital transformation initiatives are driving demand for integrated, automated solutions. Businesses are under increasing pressure to modernise procurement processes, optimise supply chains, and enhance data visibility—all of which require sophisticated technology solutions.

By combining Cleo’s expertise in supply chain integration with DataTrans’ strengths in procurement automation solutions, the newly integrated platform will offer businesses unprecedented capabilities. These include improved data synchronisation, real-time analytics, enhanced supplier collaboration, and the ability to quickly adapt to shifting market conditions.

Furthermore, as businesses navigate global supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty, the ability to automate and streamline procurement processes has never been more critical. Cleo’s acquisition of DataTrans Solutions positions both companies to address these challenges head-on, delivering solutions that drive efficiency, reduce costs, and support sustainable growth.

The impact of Cleo’s acquisition on the tech landscape

As the enterprise technology landscape continues to evolve, strategic acquisitions like this will play a crucial role in shaping the future. Cleo’s bold move to acquire DataTrans Solutions not only strengthens its own product offerings but also sets a new standard for what’s possible in procurement and supply chain integration.

With businesses increasingly reliant on digital ecosystems to maintain operational agility, the demand for comprehensive, automated solutions will continue to rise. Cleo’s expanded capabilities, powered by DataTrans Solutions’ technology, are set to meet this demand—transforming the way organisations manage procurement, streamline supply chains, and drive business growth in an increasingly interconnected world.