AD Ports’ Maqta Gateway acquires border control solutions platform TTEK

Maqta Gateway, AD Ports Group’s digital arm, has announced the acquisition of TTEK, a developer of border control solutions and customs systems.

The total purchase consideration for the acquisition of 100 per cent ownership amounts to $26.7m with an upfront payment of $17.1m.

The acquisition will extend Maqta Gateway’s existing digital trade solutions portfolio by incorporating border optimisation management solutions, utilising technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced risk analytics.

TTEK’s solutions

The company’s solutions merge deductive and inductive analytics with predictive modelling to form a machine-learning platform for customs, immigration, policing and border agencies. Its solutions use more than 1.5 million risk indicators and AI predictive modelling to establish more reliable border security controls.

Maqta Gateway aims to leverage TTEK’s R&D hub in Vietnam and its expertise in customs and border modernisation solutions across Africa, Middle East, North America and Australia to strengthen its service offering on the unified Single Window solution and expand it internationally.

Capt Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, managing director and group CEO, AD Ports Group, said: “The acquisition of TTEK Inc. will bring near-term and sustained synergistic benefits to AD Ports Group, including fast time-to-market delivery and significant sector expertise. The comprehensive custom Single Window solution provided through this acquisition has high demand in international markets, including Central Asia.”

Dr Noura Al Dhaheri, CEO of Digital Cluster and CEO of Maqta Gateway, AD Ports Group, said: “TTEK demonstrated compelling proficiency and extensive market know-how in developing and implementing customs and border optimisation solutions across several international markets.

Incorporating TTEK’s predictive-technology-based solutions into our Single Window solution will improve border security, trade facilitation, customs revenue management and more, strengthening the Group’s value proposition as a Single Window solution provider.”

Scott Murray, chief executive officer of TTEK expressed confidence in the acquisition, saying, “TTEK bridges strategic, tactical, and operational perspectives for customs modernisation and trade facilitation. We are confident in supporting Maqta Gateway to reinforce its position as a globally integrated digital trade services player.”

The transaction is subject to the completion of condition precedents within the next 45 days.

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