Kaiser Permanente to Purchase Software, Warehouse from Webvan

Kaiser Permanente has reached an agreement with bankrupt online grocer Webvan to takeover the lease on its "massive, highly automated" warehouse and to purchase the proprietary software that operates the Oakland-based facility, the San Jose Mercury News reports. Kaiser will pay $2.65 million for the technology platform that operates the warehouse and "well over" an additional $1 million for the conveyers, carousels and other machinery in the facility. The software was used to transfer orders from Webvan's Web site to the warehouse, track inventory and operate handleheld devices used by delivery people. The Mercury News reports that Kaiser Permanente may use the warehouse to distribute medical supplies and pharmaceuticals to Kaiser facilities in the Bay area. Kaiser made an offer for the facility on Friday that was accepted on Monday. The Delaware bankruptcy court overseeing Webvan's liquidation is expected to approve the deal today (Tessler, San Jose Mercury News, 10/3).