Vending

iBrands Global acquires Vendx, InCharged

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January 25, 2022

iBrands Global, a supply chain platform and brand collective, has acquired Vendx, an interactive, touchscreen vending machine provider, and InCharged, a cell phone charging station manufacturer with an outdoor advertising platform. The acquisitions form a new company, BluLabs, to act as the innovation arm of IBrands Global, according to a press release.

The company has also appointed InCharged and Vendx founder and CEO Jessica Gonzalez as chief innovation officer of both BluLabs and IBrands Global.

Terms of the acquisitions were not disclosed.

The acquisitions offer iBrands' portfolio companies, including BluZen, bebe, EBY, Alloy Apparel, and Pam & Gela, the opportunity to expand into a form of retail via Vendx's fleet of touchless vending machines, which will open up thousands of locations in 2022.

Vendx provides an interactive, touchscreen vending machine and uses sampling, social media engagement and gamification to incentivize consumer interaction while gathering data for brands and marketers.

InCharged, founded in 2009, is the nation's leading cell phone charging station manufacturer and distributor with an outdoor advertising platform. The company has also developed a line of UVC disinfection and air purification technology deployed in schools, hospitals and live events.

Vendx and InCharged have worked with brands such as Google, Toyota, AT&T, Estee Lauder and DKNY.