SAN JOSE, Calif. & RYE BROOK, N.Y. – eBay Inc. reported on its blog that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire WHI Solutions (WHI), a provider of software and digital catalog solutions for auto parts distributors and retailers. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

WHI, which was founded as Wrenchead.com in March 1999, today provides web-based eBusiness solutions including e-commerce, e-catalog, distribution management and business intelligence to automotive and heavy-duty parts sellers and service providers. The company, based in Rye Brook, N.Y., was recognized by both Deliotte & Touche and Inc magazine as one of the fastest-growing software companies in the country. In July 2011, WHI announced that its Nexpart eBay Link solution allowed its customers to create more than 1 million automotive parts listings on eBay Motors, consistently ranking as the first or second most visited automotive site on the web, according to digital market intelligence firm comScore.
 
eBay noted that with the innovative team and technology of WHI, the company gains expanded selection and access to enhanced structured data that will enable eBay Motors to improve parts selection and value for customers while enabling parts retailers, distributors, dealers and manufacturers to reach more customers.
 
With the acquisition of WHI, eBay said it plans to expand its catalog – from auto replacement parts to specialty equipment – to meet the needs of the eBay customer.
 
"In addition to the catalog benefits for eBay Motors buyers, sellers will also enjoy a better experience with an easier way to list inventory, with automatically populating listing fields including description, image and vehicle application data using WHI’s catalog of millions of SKUs," it was noted in the eBay blog.
 
While no one from WHI nor eBay offered additional comments on the acquisition, eBay reported that the plan is for WHI’s "talent, technology and client base to be smoothly integrated into the eBay Motors ecosystem."
 
WHI will maintain its offices in New York, New Jersey and Los Angeles at this time.