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The merger of MHS Global, a leading global provider of material handling automation and systems integration, and Fortna, a leading software and solutions provider for warehouse distribution, resulted in a single combined entity that will be known as FORTNA. The companies bring together decades of experience in the design, development and delivery of omnichannel and parcel distribution solutions.

The new company enters the market with the size, scale and capabilities of a global leader in the category. In a world where increasing consumer demands continually face off with supply chain disruption and other challenges, the newly combined FORTNA offers partnerships and solutions customers can count on to outpace the demands of tomorrow.

“The decision to retain the legacy Fortna name was the result of careful consideration,” said FORTNA CEO Rob McKeel. “We chose the name FORTNA not only for the great reputation the name already has in the market, but because of the strength and resilience embedded within it. The notion of fortitude. Of resilience and strength. It speaks to what our customers need in today’s climate and what they can expect from our partnership – the ability to weather the ever-changing market conditions and come out thriving.”

The companies merged in April 2022 for an undisclosed price. Both companies belong to the investment portfolio of Thomas H. Lee Partners (THL), a private equity firm that invests in middle-market growth companies. THL will remain the majority owner of the combined company. A subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority acquired a minority stake in the company to support the deal.

MHS’s robotic solutions included a multi-pick robotic end effector, a robotic singulation and induction, autonomous mobile robots and a dual-picking robot. Fortna’s solutions included automatic guided vehicles (AGVs), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), picking and packing robots and an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS).

“At the end of the day, our customers need to know they are ready for anything. That means operations that run at the speed of change – and the intelligence to anticipate what is next,” McKeel added. “We are thrilled to be able to provide the ability for our customers to create scalable, cost-efficient operations through automation.”