Amazon. com Inc. said it acquired Australian e-commerce company Selz, in a deal that underscores a greater focus on fast-growing rival Shopify Inc.
The terms of the agreement were not disclosed. An Amazon spokeswoman said the deal, which Selz announced on its website about a month ago, has been completed and will not change anything for merchants or their customers.
Founded in 2013, Selz serves as an online platform that helps small and medium-sized businesses launch and maintain their online businesses. The private company employs more than 30 people, according to data firm PitchBook. Previous sponsors include Macdoch Venture and Adcock Private Equity, PitchBook said.
Amazon has stepped up its efforts to match fast-growing Shopify, which also helps small retailers create online stores. Last year, Amazon created a secret team called “Project Santos” to replicate part of Shopify’s business model, The Wall Street Journal reported in December.
As the pandemic has made online shopping more popular, brick-and-mortar stores have invested more in their e-commerce presence. Some estimates make the sector expand by 50% by 2020.