Tim Steiner, CEO at Ocado, says: “I am pleased we have been able to settle the disputes in a constructive and collaborative manner. We can now each move forward and concentrate on providing our partners with world beating technology.”

Mats Hovland Vikse, CEO at AutoStore, says “We are glad to have achieved a resolution that gives both companies opportunity and freedom to commercialise our extensive patent portfolios. This settlement resolves our differences and allows us to continue focusing on our respective business goals.”

Brittain Ladd, a provide chain guide and former Amazon govt, feedback: “This was arguably one of the dumbest lawsuits in the history of the automation industry.”

“On their own, both companies are successful. Had they agreed to merge and maximise their combined technology, Ocado/AutoStore would be unstoppable.”

“Had a combined Ocado/AutoStore acquired Instacart, and ended the exclusivity agreement with Kroger, they would have become the largest automated fulfilment company for the grocery industry and eventually most of retail”

He added: “It’s also plausible that Ocado/AutoStore could have converted Instacart from a fulfilment company for other grocery retailers, to being their own online grocery retailer fulfilling online orders direct to Instacart customers from Ocado/AutoStore fulfilment centres.”

“Instacart would be second only to Walmart in terms of order volume. A combined Instacart – Ocado – AutoStore – would be valued at over $25 billion. Ocado and AutoStore let their egos get in the way of thinking big.”