Inwave's Strategic Acquisition of Swedish Gateway: A Leap Towards Global Retail Expansion

In a significant development for the retail tech industry, Inwave, a renowned Brazilian company, has made headlines with its recent acquisition of Swedish Gateway, a well-established provider of electronic article surveillance (EAS) solutions. This move marks a pivotal step in Inwave's ambitious international expansion strategy, showcasing its determination to enhance its footprint in the competitive retail landscape.

Founded in 1994, Gateway has built a solid reputation in the retail sector, operating in over 120 countries through a vast network of 70 distributors. Their technical expertise and legacy in providing innovative electronic surveillance solutions have positioned them as a trusted partner for various retail chains worldwide. With Inwave's acquisition, the integration of Gateway's advanced technologies promises to enhance connectivity and data intelligence in retail operations.

Strengthening Global Presence

This acquisition is not just a strategic alignment; it reflects the growing trend of internationalization among tech companies aiming to leverage the global market. Inwave has already established a strong foundation by exporting 40% of its hardware worldwide, and the acquisition of Gateway serves to solidify its presence in Europe while maintaining its operational base in Brazil.

Rubens Bulgarelli Filho, the General Manager at Inwave, stated, "We are combining complementary expertise to accelerate a more connected, efficient, and data-driven retail model. The addition of Gateway strengthens our global presence with a legacy brand that is technically and commercially respected. This is the same path we began five years ago in Brazil, and now we are taking it to Europe."

The collaboration will see Inwave's hardware and software development teams further bolstered by Gateway's skilled local team in Sweden. This synergy is expected to facilitate expansion into strategic markets, replicating Inwave's successful growth model from hardware manufacturing to a comprehensive retail tech provider, integrating solutions such as AIoT, big data, and RFID.

Inwave's Transformation into a Retail Tech Leader

Over the past five years, Inwave has witnessed exponential growth, increasing its revenue sevenfold and positioning itself as one of the leading retail tech companies in Latin America. This remarkable transformation began in 2021 when the company initiated a strategic shift towards more integrated solutions.

In 2024, Inwave consolidated its offerings by launching the Darwin platform, which emphasizes three critical pillars: loss prevention, operational efficiency, and elevated customer experiences. Currently, the Darwin platform is in pilot testing with major supermarket chains in France, demonstrating a promising 99% conversion rate in proof of concept initiatives in Brazil. Based on this success, Inwave anticipates a staggering 300% growth in licensing contract bookings within the next two years.

Expanding Horizons and Strategic Partnerships

The acquisition of Gateway not only enhances Inwave's product portfolio but also supports its growth trajectory as a global reference in retail intelligence. With a noteworthy client roster that includes international retailers such as Auchan, Carrefour, and Nike, Inwave is set to leverage Gateway’s extensive reach across over 40,000 stores worldwide.

Tom Christensen, a Danish executive and spokesperson for DSG, emphasized the universal challenges faced by retailers, such as losses and operational inefficiencies. He praised Inwave’s holistic approach, which melds advanced technology with effective operational strategies that improve not only loss prevention but also customer service and loyalty. This combination of capabilities positions Inwave to effectively address similar market challenges in various international markets.

Looking Ahead: A Promising Future for Inwave

The future looks bright for Inwave as it embarks on this new chapter of international growth. This acquisition, supported by partnerships and investments from entities like the Danish fund DSG, lays a robust foundation for Inwave to further expand its role as a trusted technology provider in retail. Through strategic innovation and an unwavering commitment to enhancing retail efficiency and customer experiences, Inwave is poised to reshape the retail landscape on a global scale.

In conclusion, the acquisition of Swedish Gateway is not merely a business transaction; it represents Inwave's vision for a technologically advanced, interconnected retail future. As the company transitions from hardware manufacturing to a more integrated retail tech reference, the retail industry should prepare for an era of enhanced operational intelligence and innovation, driven by Inwave's strategic initiatives and partnerships.