Bastian Solutions acquires Forte Engineering

Bastian Solutions, a leading systems integrator, has announced the acquisition of Forte Engineering, a software firm outside Chicago specializing in warehouse execution systems.

The acquisition is intended to strengthen the companies’ overall product offering to wine and spirits clients. Over the past few decades, the Forte team—led by Jim Love and Bernie Victor—authored the software marketed by Contech, a platform that has become a leader in wine and spirits distribution.

Aaron Jones, Bastian Solutions’ president, said, “The acquisition of the Forte Engineering team completes a highly strategic move in an effort to combine the leading wine and spirits industry warehouse execution system (WES) of Forte and the real-time information systems of Bastian Solutions. Over the last few decades, Jim Love and Bernie Victor have built an amazing software platform that will be fully integrated into our Exacta suite. The industry has been lacking this type of turnkey software package, and I could not be more exited to bring this solution to the market.” 

Victor, co-owner of Forte Engineering, said, “I am excited to consolidate the efficient, targeted and time-tested functions of Forte’s WES with the power and depth of the Exacta platform. This synergy will create the best suite for planning, executing and proactive monitoring of wine and spirits systems.”

Greg Conner, Bastian Solutions’ regional director, said, “I have had the pleasure of working with the Forte Engineering team on several systems for our beverage distribution clients. Each time, it has been a successful project for all involved. Not only will Forte’s platform complement our Exacta suite, but the addition of Forte’s knowledgeable team will also be a huge asset to Bastian Solutions and its customers.” 

Bastian will blend the features of its Exacta WES software with the industry-specific features of Forte’s solution. Tablet- and smart phone-based viewing, configurable reporting and web-based platforms are just a few of the features that will be incorporated.

Mark Booth, vice president, distribution and technology at Southern Wine & Spirits, commented, “Southern Wine and Spirits is very excited about the joining of two of our strongest partners. We’ve worked with Bastian Solutions and Forte Engineering for many years and believe this acquisition will be a great benefit both to our company and the entire wine and spirits industry.”