ZEOS’ Post

Zalando and ABOUT YOU are teaming up 🤝 We announced great news today: Zalando and ABOUT YOU are teaming up, with Zalando making a voluntary public tender offer to acquire up to 100% of ABOUT YOU 's share capital. This partnership will enable us to better serve our customers and partners with combined B2C and B2B offerings and lead the way in European fashion and lifestyle e-commerce. This combination brings together two founder-led companies with complementary capabilities, unlocking new value-creating opportunities. The combined group will drive a dual brand strategy in B2C with two distinct shopping experiences, and create a unified platform in B2B, leveraging the combined logistics infrastructure, software and service offerings across Europe. Together with ABOUT YOU, we are also committed to be an enabler of positive change for a more sustainable and inclusive future for the fashion and lifestyle industry. Read more about the strategic partnership here: https://zln.do/4fb4XzK #ZalandoAndABOUTYOU #Ecommerce #Fashion #Lifestyle

Does it mean reduction of competition?

The Digital-First Approach! Lessons from a “ tech company that does fashion” I recall being in Munich when Zalando launched its first ad and product category—shoes—in 2011. Fast forward to 2014, and I witnessed the genesis of About You in Hamburg. Here we are in 2024: these juggernauts share one thing in common: digital technology is the core of their infrastructure across all business units. " A Tech business that does fashion " As we end the year and finalize budgets for 2025, let’s keep these key points in mind with Zalando ABOUT YOU partnership as an example 1. Focus on Synergies: Identify and leverage synergies in logistics, payments, and commercial partnerships. Combining strengths can lead to greater efficiency and innovation. 2. Dual-Brand Strategy: Consider maintaining distinct brand identities while offering unique experiences. This approach allows you to cater to different customer segments effectively. 3. Invest in Technology: Invest in advanced technology to streamline operations and improve customer experiences. Ensure that your digital technology decisions impact every of your business, from order entry, purchasing, product development, retail, trade, to supply. 4. Value Creation: Plan for substantial value-creation opportunities. Identify and capitalize on these opportunities to drive long-term growth. 5. Cultural Fit: Ensure alignment in values and vision with your partners. A strong cultural fit and complementary capabilities are crucial for successful collaboration. Digital-First Mindset: 1. It starts with the customer and the ecosystem your business has. 2. Are you clear on how every digital tech decision impacts your business, from order entry to supply chain? 3. When planning a digital transformation, ensure your tech implementations are timely. 4. Plan for the tech and simplicity of the future now. 5. Implement, iterate, and improve continuously. #digital #innovation #tech #customer #transformation #zalando #aboutyou #ecommerce #b2b #b2c

Another bold move in the fashion e-commerce landscape! Zalando's acquisition of About You reminds me of the discussions we had about Amazon potentially acquiring Breuninger. Consolidation in the market is accelerating, especially with the rise of players like Shein and Temu pushing European retailers to rethink their strategies. This deal not only strengthens Zalando's position as a dominant player but also highlights the growing need for partnerships to compete effectively against global challengers. Will we see more such moves as the competition heats up? A fascinating time for e-commerce in Europe! It’s interesting to reflect on how perceptions have shifted over time. I still recall when Zalando started selling shoes, and people in the mail-order business scoffed, claiming it would never work due to high return rates. Back then, it seemed almost unthinkable—an idea stuck somewhere between bold ambition and naïveté. And yet today, that very company is acquiring Otto’s modern brand—what a remarkable transformation in the industry!

Textbook synergies, exciting times. In the B2C growth vector, adding ABOUT YOU will enable Zalando to implement a dual-brand strategy to meet the unique needs and preferences of customers. In B2B, ABOUT YOU's SCAYLE Commerce Engine will complement ZEOS logistics in enabling brands and retailers to manage their multi-channel business across Europe from a unified platform.

What a news! My former company, Zalando, has announced its intention to acquire ABOUT YOU, marking the culmination of years of competition between these two industry players. It’s incredible to see this journey come full circle. I still remember when ABOUT YOU launched as the "new kid on the block," challenging us with fresh ideas and bold moves. This acquisition underscores just how competitive and challenging the e-commerce landscape has become, where scale and strategy often dictate who thrives. Congratulations to the Zalando team on this significant milestone. This is truly a story of resilience, evolution, and staying ahead in an ever-tougher game. PS: On a less formal note, the price set to a fraction of ABOUT YOU's initial IPO offer—it’s a brutal showcase of just how unforgiving the e-commerce and market dynamics are these days. #Ecommerce #Innovation #Acquisition #Zalando #AboutYou

No offense, but could anyone clear my blind spot for this M&A deal? The company reported a net loss of €80 million, resulting in a profit margin of -4.09%. The total debt-to-equity ratio is relatively high at 67.46%, which may raise concerns of financial stability. The stock price was at €12 a year ago and now is at €6.47, the perception of growth is tempered by the fact that it has lost half its value. Zalando might see potential synergies in combining resources, technology, and logistics, and... maybe enhance portfolio, enhance Zalando's offerings, to appeal to various consumer segments.

Exciting times for European eCommerce! Zalando's founders, Robert Gentz and David Schneider, unveil a bold new strategy to transform the platform into a pan-European ecosystem for fashion and lifestyle. With a focus on B2C and B2B growth vectors, they aim to capture a larger share of the €450 billion European fashion market. Key initiatives include expanding into Sports and Kids & Family, personalized content, and enhancing logistics services. This pivot positions Zalando as a major player in Europe's tech platform landscape, with potential to outpace rivals in the upcoming years. 🚀 #Zalando #eCommerce #Marketplace #EuropeanTech #Ecosystem #Strategy #Fashion #Lifestyle #B2C #B2B #ZEOS #staytunedformore 💡

🎉 Exciting news in the European fashion and lifestyle e-commerce sector! Zalando and ABOUT YOU are joining forces in a strategic move to drive bigger scale and higher relevance in the fashion and lifestyle industry. This partnership brings together two major fashion platforms with a shared vision for innovation and customer experience. 👜 👕 What does this mean? Zalando will acquire ABOUT YOU, creating a dual-brand strategy for their commerce business that caters to a wider range of customers. This collaboration also unlocks significant B2B opportunities, with ABOUT YOU's SCAYLE SaaS enterprise commerce platform complementing Zalando's ZEOS B2B solution, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for brands and retailers across Europe. We are proud to support ABOUT YOU as exclusive financial advisor on this transaction. 🤝 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dADCmChx #Fashion #ECommerce #SAASEnterprise #MergersAndAcquisitions

Yesterday, Zalando announced its intention to acquire ABOUT YOU, a move that marks a significant shift in the European fashion and lifestyle e-commerce landscape. This voluntary public tender offer to acquire up to 100% of ABOUT YOU’s share capital is poised to create compelling value for customers, partners, and shareholders alike. By bringing together two founder-led teams with complementary strengths, this combination will enhance both B2C and B2B offerings, allowing the two companies to serve a larger share of the European fashion market. Zalando’s dual-brand strategy will ensure that Zalando and ABOUT YOU maintain their distinct identities while leveraging synergies in logistics, payment systems, and commercial collaboration. The deal unlocks exciting opportunities to deliver synergies, with Zalando targeting up to €100 million in EBIT synergies annually and positioning the combined group for substantial growth in GMV and revenue until 2028. Exciting times ahead as Zalando and ABOUT YOU join forces to redefine the future of fashion European e-commerce! What do you think about the potential of European e-commerce giants like Zalando and ABOUT YOU teaming up to compete with global players like SHEIN and Amazon? Could this merger redefine Europe’s role in the global fashion market? 👉 Follow our page to stay updated with latest news on Cross Border Commerce in Europe. 👉 Deep dive on our focus on Zalando's cross-border strategy on our TOP 100 Marketplaces Report 2024: https://lnkd.in/esWNb-aU #CrossBorderCommerce #Ecommerce #FashionTech #StrategicAcquisition #Zalando #ABOUTYOU #B2B #Sustainability #Growth