Symbotic Completes Acquisition of Walmart's Robotics Unit
Deal News | Jan 28, 2025 | Globenewswire
Symbotic Inc., recognized for its advanced A.I.-enabled robotics, has completed the acquisition of Walmart's Advanced Systems and Robotics unit. This acquisition is accompanied by a commercial agreement to revolutionize Walmart's pickup and delivery systems. With a development program funded by Walmart, Symbotic will enhance and create pickup and delivery systems, aiming to meet evolving consumer needs. The agreement has the potential to deploy systems across 400 Walmart stores, with Walmart reserving rights to extend it. A financial exchange of $520 million was part of this agreement, with $230 million already executed at the acquisition's close. This strategic initiative could substantially increase Symbotic's market reach and backlog. The transaction augments Symbotic's capabilities as a forerunner in retail automation, leveraging advanced robotics to streamline Walmart's eCommerce operations.
Sectors
- Robotics
- Retail
- Supply Chain Management
Geography
- United States – The entire transaction and the market opportunity highlighted by the acquisition are focused on operations within the United States.
Industry
- Robotics – Symbotic specializes in A.I.-enabled robotics, which is central to its role in the supply chain solutions being developed for Walmart.
- Retail – The acquisition and commercial agreement focus on enhancing Walmart's retail operations, particularly its online pickup and delivery systems.
- Supply Chain Management – Symbotic aims to transform the logistics and supply chain operations of Walmart through advanced A.I. solutions, thereby entering the supply chain management sector.
Financials
- 520,000,000 – The total payment from Walmart to Symbotic under the commercial agreement, including $230 million paid at closing.
- 5,000,000,000 – The potential increase in Symbotic's future backlog due to this transaction.
- 300,000,000,000 – The expansion in Symbotic's addressable market in the United States due to this transaction.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Symbotic Inc. | Bidding Company | Company | An automation technology leader specializing in A.I.-powered robotics and software platforms for the supply chain. |
| Walmart | Selling Company | Company | A global retail corporation that has sold its Advanced Systems and Robotics business to Symbotic and entered into a commercial agreement for logistics solutions. |
| Rick Cohen | CEO | Person | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Symbotic, involved in steering the company through the acquisition and commercial agreements. |