Toshiba unit to acquire IBM POS ops for $850m

US/JAPAN: Toshiba unit to acquire IBM POS ops for $850m

By Richard Woodard | 18 April 2012

A unit of Japanese electronics maker Toshiba is poised to become the largest point-of-sale (POS) systems company in the world with the acquisition of IBM’s Retail Store Solutions (RSS) business for US$850m.

The deal, expected to close in the next few months subject to the usual conditions and approvals, will see IT subsidiary Toshiba TEC acquire RSS’s global business operation functions, including development, sales and related in-store maintenance.

The company will also enter into a multi-year agreement with IBM to become an IBM Premier Business Partner for Smarter Commerce.

“The pace of retail expansion requires a strategy to serve this dynamic marketplace,” said Craig Hayman, general manager, industry solutions, IBM Software Group.

“This acquisition by Toshiba TEC creates not only the world’s leading point-of-sale company, but also a key business partner for IBM in its strategically important Smarter Commerce initiative.

“Retailers can invest with confidence in the proven abilities of these two leaders to deliver multi-channel commerce to more demanding consumers who want the same experience shopping online, in-store, mobile, social or by any other means.”

“The opportunities in retail store solutions are expected to grow by increasing demand in POS systems,” added Mamoru Suzuki, president and CEO of Toshiba TEC. “In addition, demand for multi-channel integration and enhancement of store back office management accelerates further expansion of sales.”

Sectors: Retail, Technology