MHS, based in Mt. Washington, Kentucky, is buying

Material Handling Systems (MHS), a provider of advanced automation engineering, equipment and software, has acquired A2i Systems, a leading, comprehensive integrator of materials handling equipment, engineering and services for the warehouse and distribution market in North America.

Additionally, MHS announced the completion of its acquisition of VanRiet Material Handling Systems, a provider of integration systems, equipment and after-market services for the European and North American markets.

"The infrastructure required to support e-commerce globally is immense," says Scott McReynolds, chief operating officer of MHS. "Our vision is to create a best-in-class provider of automated technology across parcel and warehouse and distribution, providing our customers with the capability to efficiently deliver packages to consumers worldwide. With the acquisitions of A2i and VanRiet, MHS has significantly expanded its global reach, warehouse and distribution expertise and automated product portfolio."

"We are immensely proud to join the MHS family," says Bob Cobak, co-founder with Kyle Hester of A2i Systems. "We started A2i Systems as a response to clients who wanted to work with a group of experienced professionals in the warehouse and distribution market. Together with MHS, we will be able to enhance our full end-to-end warehouse and distribution product capabilities, and offer all of our clients a world-class platform that has reach across the parcel and warehouse and distribution end-markets in North America, Europe and China."

PricewaterhouseCoopers acted as an accounting and tax advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal counsel to MHS. Financial terms for the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Material Handling Systems is a global provider of turnkey systems integration and engineering, advanced automation equipment and software, and aftermarket services.