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The information in this Prospectus Supplement is not complete and may be changed. A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and declared effective. This Preliminary Prospectus Supplement and accompanying base shelf prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.

Subject to Completion, Dated June 23, 2014

Filed pursuant to General Instruction II.L. of Form F-10
File No. 333-195183

9,500,000 Shares

LOGO

Common Shares

We are offering 9,500,000 Common Shares (the "Offered Shares") of The Descartes Systems Group Inc. (the "Offering").

Our outstanding Common Shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") under the symbol "DSG" and listed on the NASDAQ Global Market (the "NASDAQ") under the symbol "DSGX". On June 20, 2014, the last reported sales price of our Common shares on the TSX was C$15.79 per Common Share and on NASDAQ was US$14.73 per Common Share.

An investment in our Common Shares involves significant risks. See "Risk Factors" in this Prospectus Supplement.



Price: US$     per Offered Share



 
 
Price to the Public
 
Underwriters'
Fee
 
Proceeds to
Descartes(1)

Per Offered Share

  US$   US$   US$

Total(2)

  US$   US$   US$

(1)
Before deducting expenses of the Offering, estimated to be approximately US$0.7 million, which, together with the Underwriters' fee, will be paid from proceeds of the Offering.

(2)
We have granted to the Underwriters an option (the "Over-Allotment Option"), exercisable in whole or in part, at the sole discretion of the Underwriters, at any time not later than the 30th day after the date of this Prospectus Supplement, to purchase from us up to 1,425,000 additional Common Shares ("Additional Shares").

We are permitted, as a Canadian issuer, under the multi-jurisdictional disclosure system adopted by the United States and Canada, to prepare this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Base Shelf Prospectus in accordance with Canadian disclosure requirements. You should be aware that such requirements are different from those of the United States.

You should be aware that the acquisition of Offered Shares may have tax consequences both in the United States and in Canada. Such tax consequences for investors who are residents in, or citizens of, the United States may not be described fully herein. You should read the tax discussion in this Prospectus Supplement and you should consult your tax adviser prior to making any investment in the Offered Shares.

Your ability to enforce civil liabilities under United States federal securities laws may be affected adversely by the fact that we are a corporation existing under the federal laws of Canada, some of our officers and directors and some of the experts named in this Prospectus Supplement of are residents of Canada, and a majority of our assets and the assets of those officers, directors and experts are located outside of the United States.

These securities have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission nor has the Commission or any state or Canadian securities regulator passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus Supplement or the accompanying Base Shelf Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The Underwriters expect to deliver the Offered Shares to purchasers on                           , 2014.



Morgan Stanley   Barclays   Griffiths McBurney Corp.
as agent affiliate for
GMP Securities L.P.

Canaccord Genuity   TD Securities   William Blair   Raymond James

                           , 2014


TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

Important Notice About the Information in this Prospectus Supplement   S-2
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements   S-2
Non-GAAP Financial Measures   S-5
Summary   S-7
Risk Factors   S-14
Use of Proceeds   S-29
Consolidated Capitalization   S-30
Trading Price and Volume   S-31
Prior Sales   S-31
Management   S-32
Certain Income Tax Considerations   S-33
Underwriting   S-38
Legal Matters   S-44
Auditors   S-44
Documents Incorporated by Reference   S-44
Service of Process and Enforceabilty of Civil Liabilities   S-45
Where to Find More Information   S-46
Documents Filed as Part of the Registration Statement   S-46

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE BASE SHELF PROSPECTUS

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements   1
Documents Incorporated by Reference   2
The Descartes Systems Group Inc   4
Summary Description of the Business   4
Description of Share Capital   4
Description of Common Shares   5
Description of Preferred Shares   5
Description of Debt Securities   5
Description of Subscription Receipts   6
Description of Warrants   6
Description of Units   7
Earnings Coverage Ratios   7
Trading Price and Volume   7
Capitalization   7
Prior Sales   7
Use of Proceeds   7
Plan of Distribution   8
Selling Securityholders   8
Risk Factors   9
Certain Income Tax Consideration   9
Legal Matters   9
Interest of Experts   10
Auditors, Transfer Agent and Registrar   10
Service of Process and Enforceability of Civil Liabilities   10
Where to Find More Information   10

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IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

        This document is in two parts. The first part is this Prospectus Supplement, which describes the specific terms of the Offered Shares and also adds to and updates information contained in the accompanying Base Shelf Prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in the Base Shelf Prospectus for the purposes of the distribution of the securities to which this Prospectus Supplement pertains. The second part, the accompanying Base Shelf Prospectus, gives more general information, some of which may not apply to the Offered Shares. We refer to the "Prospectus" as this Prospectus Supplement, together with the accompanying Base Shelf Prospectus and each document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in the Base Shelf Prospectus for the purposes of the distribution of the securities to which this Prospectus Supplement pertains.

        You should rely only on the information contained in the Prospectus. Neither we nor the Underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with different or additional information. If the description of the Offered Shares varies between this Prospectus Supplement and the Base Shelf Prospectus, you should rely on the information in this Prospectus Supplement. If anyone provides you with any additional, different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. Neither we nor the Underwriters are making an offer of the Offered Shares in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted by law. You should not assume that the information contained in the Prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of the document in which such information appears. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. Information in this Prospectus Supplement updates and modifies the information in the accompanying Base Shelf Prospectus and information incorporated by reference in the Base Shelf Prospectus for the purposes of the distribution of the securities to which this Prospectus Supplement pertains. Before investing, you should read both this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Base Shelf Prospectus together with the additional information about us to which we refer you in the section of this Prospectus Supplement entitled "Documents Incorporated by Reference" and "Where to Find More Information".

        In this Prospectus Supplement, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms "Descartes", "we", "our" and "us" refer to The Descartes Systems Group Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. The consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference in the Base Shelf Prospectus and the summary consolidated financial data derived therefrom included in this Prospectus Supplement, are presented in U.S. dollars, our functional currency. In this Prospectus Supplement, references to "US$" or "$" are to U.S. dollars and references to "C$" are to Canadian dollars. On June 20, 2014, the nominal noon rate reported by the Bank of Canada was US$1.00 per C$1.0766.

        Our consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference in the Base Shelf Prospectus and the summary consolidated financial data derived therefrom included in this Prospectus Supplement have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted ("GAAP") in the United States. Accordingly, the presentation of consolidated financial statements may vary in a material way from consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with Internal Financial Reporting Standards.


CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND STATEMENTS

        Certain statements contained in the Prospectus are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act and contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). These forward-looking statements are presented for the purpose of assisting our securityholders in understanding management's views regarding those future outcomes and may not be appropriate for other purposes. When used in the Prospectus, the words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "seek", "propose", "estimate", "expect", and similar expressions, as they relate to Descartes, are intended to

S-2


identify forward-looking statements. Specific forward-looking statements in the Prospectus include, but are not limited to: the use of net proceeds from the Offering or other transactions; our future business plans and business planning process; our baseline calibration; statements relating to business trends; the basis for any future growth and for our financial performance; the changing regulatory environment and its impact on our business; potential loss of recurring revenues; research and development and related expenditures; product and solution developments, enhancements and releases and the timing thereof; our building, development and consolidation of our network infrastructure; competition and changes in the competitive landscape; our management and protection of intellectual property and other proprietary rights; foreign sales and exchange rate fluctuations; cyclical or seasonal aspects of our business; our dividend policy; capital expenditures; and potential legal proceedings.

        The forward-looking statements contained in the Prospectus are based on certain assumptions including the following: global shipment volumes continuing to increase at levels consistent with the average growth rates of the global economy; countries continuing to implement and enforce existing and additional customs and security regulations relating to the provision of electronic information for imports and exports; our continued operation of a secure and reliable business network; the stability of general economic and market conditions, currency exchange rates, and interest rates; equity and debt markets continuing to provide us with access to capital; our continued ability to identify and source attractive and executable business combination opportunities; and our continued compliance with third party intellectual property rights. These assumptions may prove to be inaccurate. Inherent in the forward-looking statements are known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors beyond our ability to control or predict, that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in our business or in our industry, to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance, achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of the risks and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, which could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements and information contained in the Prospectus include, but are not limited to:

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        This is not an exhaustive list of the factors that may affect any of our forward-looking statements. Some of these and other factors are discussed in more detail in the section entitled "Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results" in our interim management's discussion and analysis for the three months ended April 30, 2014 and "Risk Factors" in this Prospectus Supplement. You should carefully consider these and other factors.

        The forward-looking statements contained in the Prospectus represent our views only as of the date such statements were made. They are based on management's plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions as at the time such statements were made and the assumptions related to these plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions may change. There can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements and actual results or developments may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. For the reasons set forth above, prospective investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.


NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

        The Prospectus contains references to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, which are not measures under U.S. GAAP. We believe that our current shareholders and potential investors use non-GAAP financial measures, such as Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, in making investment decisions about our company and measuring our operational results. The term "Adjusted EBITDA" refers to a financial measure that we define as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation (for which we include related fees and taxes) and other charges (for which we included Chairman and CEO retirement charges, restructuring charges and acquisition-related expenses). For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income, see "Summary — Summary Consolidated Financial Data" in this Prospectus Supplement. The term "Adjusted EBITDA margin" refers to Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue. See also "Summary — Baseline Calibration" in this Prospectus Supplement.

        Management considers acquisition-related and restructuring activities to be outside the scope of our ongoing operations and the related expenses are not used by management to measure operations. Accordingly, these expenses are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA, which we reference to both measure our operations and as a basis of comparison of our operations from period-to-period.

        Management believes that investors and financial analysts measure our business on the same basis, and we provide the Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin financial metrics to assist in this evaluation and to provide a higher level of transparency into how we measure our own business. However, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are non-GAAP financial measures and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA should not be

S-5


construed as a substitute for net income determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP or other non-GAAP measures that may be used by other companies, such as EBITDA. The use of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin does have limitations. In particular, we have completed 25 acquisitions since April 2006, and may complete additional acquisitions in the future that will result in acquisition-related expenses and restructuring charges. As these acquisition-related expenses and restructuring charges may continue as we pursue our consolidation strategy, some investors may consider these charges and expenses as a recurring part of operations rather than non-recurring charges and expenses that are not part of operations.

S-6




SUMMARY

        This summary highlights certain information contained in the Prospectus and may not contain all the information that may be important to you. You should read the entire Prospectus, including (i) the sections entitled "Risk Factors" in this Prospectus Supplement and the Base Shelf Prospectus, (ii) the sections entitled "Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results" in certain documents incorporated by reference, and (iii) the consolidated financial statements and related notes, before making an investment decision.


The Descartes Systems Group Inc.

        We are a leading provider of logistics management software solutions and a federated global logistics network. Our solutions simplify complex business processes, improving productivity, performance and security of logistics-intensive businesses. We offer predominantly cloud-based solutions to automate and optimize logistics and supply chain management business processes. We believe that companies are increasingly seeking automation and real-time control of their supply chain activities while trying to reduce operating costs and improve margins. Our global logistics network and software solutions provide our customers with a single sourced, integrated, neutral and an end-to-end global trade and logistics platform. Our primary focus is on serving transportation providers (air, ocean and truck modes), logistics service providers (including third-party logistics providers, freight forwarders and customs brokers) and distribution-intensive companies. As of April 30, 2014, we had over 10,000 customers, including the following industry leaders:

        Our customers use our solutions to improve their performance in a variety of ways. For example, The Home Depot leverages our Advanced Home Delivery Solution for real-time delivery appointment scheduling, route optimization and execution and mobile resource management solutions. DHL leverages our solutions across several of its operating groups, including Global Forwarding, DHL Express (Parcels) and Logistics and Supply Chain Management. American Airlines uses our solutions to meet a growing number of logistic challenges across the globe, including executing country-specific customs and security filings, managing messaging for its cargo and managing its website's cargo booking systems.

        According to MarketInsight's Global Logistics Market report, published May 30, 2013, the global logistics market was expected to reach a value of approximately US$4 trillion in 2013. Logistics-intensive organizations are under intense pressure to automate and optimize their logistics and supply chain operations. Existing global trade and logistics processes are fragmented and highly complex to manage. Global sourcing, increasing security and customs requirements, and growing consumer expectations for

 

S-7


 

same-day and next-day delivery alternatives with firms such as Google, Amazon and eBay, have further exacerbated the challenges facing logistics-intensive organizations. Manual processes and fragmented point solutions for logistics are inadequate to meet the needs of most companies in this environment.

        We empower companies to solve these challenges by providing a global logistics network and software solutions that automate and optimize the logistics value chain. Customers use our modular, software-as-a-service ("SaaS") solutions to route, schedule, track and measure delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete numerous other logistics processes by participating in the world's largest, collaborative multi-modal logistics community. Our Logistics Technology Platform is designed to help accelerate time-to-value and increase productivity and performance for businesses of all sizes. Our Global Logistics Network is the foundation of the Logistics Technology Platform and manages the flow of data and documents that track and control inventory, assets, and people in motion. Our Logistics Application Suite offers a wide array of modular, cloud-based, interoperable web and wireless logistics management applications. These solutions are designed expressly for logistics operations and are native to the particularities of different transportation modes and country borders. Our comprehensive suite of solutions includes (priced primarily as indicated):

        For logistics-intensive organizations, delivery is often a defining part of their own product or service offering. Our solutions are focused on improving the productivity, performance and security of these logistics-intensive businesses. By uniting the reach of the Global Logistics Network with the power of our applications, our federated network creates an ecosystem that supports and streamlines the key functional areas facing today's logistics managers. Our market leadership is evidenced by more than 173,000 parties and more than 10,000 customers spanning over 160 countries on our network. The power of our data is evident in the robust volume of more than 4.5 billion messages and more than 30 million routes managed per year.

        We have achieved significant growth and profitability. Our pricing model provides our customers with flexibility in purchasing our solutions either on subscription, transactional or a perpetual license basis. Our revenue grew from $66.0 million in our fiscal year ended January 31, 2009 to $151.3 million in our fiscal year ended January 31, 2014, representing an 18% compounded annual growth rate. In our fiscal year ended January 31, 2014, we generated gross margin of $102.3 million, representing a margin of 67.6%, net income of $9.6 million, representing a margin of 6.3%, and Adjusted EBITDA of $44.5 million, representing a margin of 29.4%. Services revenue comprised 91% of total revenues in our fiscal year ended January 31, 2014, with the remainder derived from software license sales. In our fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2014, we generated gross margin of $27.6 million, representing a margin of 68%, net income of $3.7 million, and Adjusted EBITDA of $12.1 million, representing a margin of 30.0%. For a discussion of

 

S-8


 

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, see "Non-GAAP Measures" in this Prospectus Supplement.


Recent Developments

        On May 28, 2014, we amended our revolving debt facility, increasing the borrowing limit from US$50.0 million to US$77.0 million (the "Amended Facility"). The Amended Facility is comprised of a US$75.0 million revolving facility that can be drawn on to accommodate future acquisition activity, with drawn amounts to be repaid in equal quarterly installments over a period of five years from the advance date, and a US$2.0 million revolving facility that can be drawn on for general working capital purposes, with no fixed repayment date on drawn amounts prior to the end of the term. Borrowings under the Amended Facility are secured by a first charge over substantially all of our assets. All other terms, including security, interest rates and payment frequency, representations, warranties and guarantees, and covenants remain substantially unchanged from the previous revolving debt facility.

        On May 29, 2014, Allan Brett was appointed as our Chief Financial Officer to replace Stephanie Ratza who will remain at Descartes until September 2014 to assist with a smooth transition. Mr. Brett is an experienced public company executive who served as Chief Financial Officer of Aastra Technologies Limited from June 1996 through to its January 2014 sale to Mitel Networks Corporation. Upon completion of the distribution of Common Shares under the Offering (including any Additional Shares), approximately 110,000 Common Shares will be issued to Ms. Ratza (the "SAR Shares") in accordance with the terms of share appreciation rights attached to expiring, surrendered options previously issued to Ms. Ratza pursuant to our share-based compensation arrangements. The SAR Shares will not be subject to the "lock-up" arrangements that otherwise restrict sales of Common Shares by our officers and directors for 90 days following the date of this Prospectus Supplement, as described in "Underwriting" in this Prospectus Supplement.

        On May 29, 2014, our shareholders elected two new directors to our board of directors, being Jane O'Hagan, a senior executive in the transportation industry with many years of experience in the railway sector, and Edward J. Ryan, our Chief Executive Officer.

        On May 29, 2014, following the approval of our shareholders, we entered into an amended and restated shareholder rights plan agreement with Computershare Investor Services Inc. which continued the rights previously issued under and governed by our prior shareholder rights plan agreements.

        On May 29, 2014, Eric Demirian was appointed as Chair of our board of directors and Stephen Watt, the former Chair, remained as a member of our board of directors.

        On June 2, 2014, we announced that we acquired Customs Info LLC ("Customs Info"), a leading U.S.-based provider of trade data content to power Global Trade Management ("GTM") systems and streamline global trade automation. Customs Info has been a high-growth, premium trade data business with recurring subscription revenues. Customs Info provides comprehensive trade data and related research tools to more than 800 multi-national shippers to help them reduce operating costs, improve customs compliance, and accelerate supply chain speed. This trade data populates GTM systems, including SAP GTS and Oracle GTM, and includes trade tariffs, duties, regulations, trade agreements, rules of origin and other trade-related content. Our integration plans include making this trade content available over our Global Logistics Network, to drive strategic value for customers by combining trade content and trade flow. Customs Info also provides one of the leading on-line global trade research tools used by thousands of trade professionals, as well as a SaaS-delivered classification solution to help trade professionals and multi-national shippers quickly build and easily maintain complex classification databases for their operations around the world. Customs Info also provides duty and tax content to some of the world's

 

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largest e-commerce sites. Customs Info is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. We acquired Customs Info for upfront consideration of US$41.5 million, net of working capital, plus potential performance-based consideration. The up-front consideration is comprised of US$36.1 million in cash, US$20 million of which was drawn from our existing acquisition line of credit, and 416,437 Common Shares, which are subject to certain restrictions on resale. The maximum amount payable under the all-cash performance-based earn-out is US$3.9 million, based on Customs Info achieving revenue-based targets in calendar 2014. Any earn-out is expected to be paid in our fiscal year ending January 31, 2016.

        Other than as described above, there have been no significant developments in our operations and affairs occurring since April 30, 2014.

        Our recent acquisitions completed prior to April 30, 2014, include those discussed below.

        On May 2, 2013 we acquired KSD Software Norway AS ("KSD"), a leading Scandinavian-based provider of electronic customs filing solutions for the European Union ("EU"). KSD's software helps customers manage the complexities of EU customs compliance. KSD brought more than 1,300 logistics-focused customers to the Customs and Regulatory Compliance solutions available on our Global Logistic Network, with the majority of these customers based in Scandinavia. KSD was headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with offices in Sweden, Denmark and The Netherlands. The all cash purchase price for the acquisition was NOK 190 million (approximately US$33 million at May 2, 2013), with us acquiring approximately NOK 11.5 million in working capital (approximately US$2 million at May 2, 2013).

        On April 1, 2014, we acquired Computer Management USA, Inc. and Computer Management NA, Inc. (collectively, "Computer Management"), a leading U.S.-based provider of security filing solutions and air cargo management solutions for airlines and their partners. Specifically, Computer Management's solutions help air carriers to improve operational efficiency and streamline security filing and customs clearance processes, directly and through coordination with hundreds of ground handlers and container freight stations. Our integration plans include adding Computer Management's customers and solutions to our Global Logistics Network as part of our Customs and Regulatory Compliance solutions. The total purchase price for the acquisition was US$6.7 million, net of cash acquired.


Corporate Information

        Descartes was continued under the Canada Business Corporations Act (the "CBCA") on July 5, 2006. On July 31, 2006, Descartes was amalgamated under the CBCA pursuant to an amalgamation between Descartes and ViaSafe Inc. On February 1, 2010, Descartes was amalgamated under the CBCA pursuant to an amalgamation between Descartes and Scancode Systems Inc. On February 1, 2010, Descartes was amalgamated under the CBCA pursuant to an amalgamation between Descartes and 7322267 Canada Inc. On February 1, 2012, Descartes was amalgamated under the CBCA pursuant to an amalgamation between Descartes and 882976 Ontario Inc. We were founded in 1981 in Waterloo, Ontario and our head office and registered office is located at 120 Randall Drive, Waterloo, Ontario, N2V 1C6 and our general corporate phone number is (519) 746-8110.

 

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The Offering

Common Shares offered by us

  9,500,000 Common Shares

Common Shares outstanding after the Offering

 

73,781,173 Common Shares(1)

Option to purchase additional Common Shares

 

We have granted the Underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,425,000 Common Shares at the offering price.

Use of proceeds

 

We intend to use the net proceeds from this Offering for general corporate purposes, including as an available source of funding for potential future acquisition opportunities, as well as for possible repayment of outstanding indebtedness under our Amended Facility. Amounts repaid under the Amended Facility may be re-borrowed and used by the Corporation for funding future acquisitions and for general corporate purposes, subject in each case to satisfaction of certain covenant and financial ratios.

Risk factors

 

Investing in Common Shares involves risks. See the "Risk Factors" section in this Prospectus Supplement for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in our Common Shares.

NASDAQ symbol

 

DSGX

TSX symbol

 

DSG


    (1)
    Based on the number of Common Shares outstanding as of June 20, 2014, which excludes Common Shares issuable pursuant to our share-based compensation arrangements and assumes no exercise of the Over-Allotment Option.

 

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Summary Consolidated Financial Data

        The following table presents summary consolidated financial data for the periods indicated. You should read this summary historical consolidated financial data in conjunction with our management's discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2014, our interim management's discussion and analysis for the three months ended April 30, 2014 and our consolidated financial statements and related notes incorporated by reference in the Base Shelf Prospectus for purposes of the Offering. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period.

 
   
  Fiscal Year Ended January 31  
 
  Three Months
Ended
April 30, 2014
 
US$(in millions)
  2014   2013   2012   2011   2010   2009  

Revenues

    40.8     151.3     126.9     114.0     99.2     73.8     66.0  

Gross margin

    27.6     102.3     84.5     75.7     65.3     50.8     43.7  

Gross margin percentage

    68.0 %   67.6 %   66.6 %   66.4 %   65.8 %   68.8 %   66.2 %

Cash provided by operating activities

   
8.4
   
42.6
   
30.3
   
23.9
   
19.9
   
16.5
   
18.7
 

Capital Expenditures

    0.5     2.4     3.5     4.7     1.6     1.6     1.4  

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net income

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Net income

   
3.7
   
9.6
   
16.0
   
12.0
   
11.5
   
14.3
   
20.2
 

Adjustments to reconcile to Adjusted EBITDA:

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Interest expense

    0.4     1.0                      

Investment income

        (0.1 )       (0.2 )   (0.2 )   (0.4 )   (1.0 )

Income tax expense (recovery)

    1.9     4.2     1.2     3.4     (3.6 )   (7.6 )   (11.5 )

Depreciation expense

    0.7     3.3     2.9     2.5     2.4     1.9     2.2  

Amortization of intangible assets and contingent acquisition consideration

    4.6     18.0     14.2     12.0     11.5     7.0     6.0  

Amortization of deferred compensation, stock-based compensation and related fees and taxes

    0.2     2.0     1.5     1.2     1.1     3.4     0.5  

Acquisition-related expenses

    0.5     1.3     1.4     1.6     1.5     0.9     0.3  

Restructuring charges

    0.1     1.9     1.0     0.5     2.5     0.8     0.3  

Chairman and CEO Retirement Charges

        3.3                      
                               

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

    12.1     44.5     38.2     33.0     26.7     20.3     17.0  
                               
                               

Adjusted EBITDA margin(1)

    29.7 %   29.4 %   30.1 %   28.9 %   26.9 %   27.5 %   25.8 %

    (1)
    See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Prospectus Supplement.

 

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Baseline Calibration

        We internally measure and manage our "baseline calibration," a non-GAAP financial measure, which we define as the difference between our "baseline revenues" and "baseline operating expenses". We define our "baseline revenues," a non-GAAP financial measure, as our visible, recurring and contracted revenues. Baseline revenues are not a projection of anticipated total revenues for a period as they exclude any anticipated or expected new sales for a period beyond the date that the baseline revenues are measured. We define our "baseline operating expenses," a non-GAAP financial measure, as our total expenses less interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation (for which we include related costs and taxes), acquisition-related costs and restructuring charges. Baseline operating expenses are not a projection of anticipated total expenses for a period as they exclude any expenses associated with anticipated or expected new sales for a period beyond the date that the baseline expenses are measured. Our baseline calibration is not a projection of net income for a period as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, or Adjusted EBITDA for a period as it excludes anticipated or expected new sales for a period beyond the date that the baseline calibration is measured, excludes any costs of goods sold or other expenses associated with such new sales, and excludes the expenses identified as excluded in the definition of "baseline operating expenses," above. We calculate and disclose "baseline revenues," "baseline operating expenses" and "baseline calibration" because management uses these metrics in determining its planned levels of expenditures for a period. These metrics are estimates and not projections, nor actual financial results, and are not indicative of current or future performance. These metrics do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by U.S. GAAP and are unlikely to be comparable to similarly-titled metrics used by other companies and are not a replacement or proxy for any U.S. GAAP measure.

        At May 1, 2014, using foreign exchange rates of US$0.90 to C$1.00, US$1.37 to €1.00 and US$1.60 to £1.00, we estimated that our baseline revenues for our fiscal quarter ending July 31, 2014 were approximately US$38.0 million and our baseline operating expenses were approximately US$28.7 million. We considered this to be our baseline calibration of approximately US$9.3 million for our fiscal quarter ending July 31, 2014, or approximately 24.5% of our baseline revenues as at May 1, 2014.

        At February 1, 2014, using foreign exchange rates of US$0.92 to C$1.00, US$1.35 to €1.00 and US$1.64 to £1.00, we estimated that our baseline revenues for our fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2014 were approximately US$37.5 million and our baseline operating expenses were approximately US$28.4 million. We considered this to be our baseline calibration of approximately US$9.1 million for our fiscal quarter ending April 30, 2014, or approximately 24.3% of our baseline revenues as at February 1, 2014.

        At November 1, 2013, using foreign exchange rates of US$0.97 to C$1.00, US$1.33 to €1.00 and US$1.60 to £1.00, we estimated that our baseline revenues for our fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2014 were approximately US$36.5 million and our baseline operating expenses were approximately US$27.9 million. We considered this to be our baseline calibration of approximately US$8.6 million for our fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2014, or approximately 23.6% of our baseline revenues as at November 1, 2013.

        At August 1, 2013, using foreign exchange rates of US$0.97 to C$1.00, US$1.33 to €1.00 and US$1.54 to £1.00, we estimated that our baseline revenues our fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2013 were approximately US$35.9 million and our baseline operating expenses were approximately US$27.6 million. We considered this to be our baseline calibration of approximately US$8.3 million for our fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2013, or approximately 23.1% of our baseline revenues as at August 1, 2013.

        At May 2, 2013, using foreign exchange rates of US$1.00 to C$1.00, US$1.30 to €1.00 and US$1.52 to £1.00, we estimated that our baseline revenues our fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2013 were approximately US$35.5 million and our baseline operating expenses were approximately US$27.7 million. We considered this to be our baseline calibration of approximately US$7.8 million for our fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2013, or approximately 22.0% of our baseline revenues as at May 2, 2013.

 

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RISK FACTORS

        An investment in the Offered Shares is subject to certain risks. Before making an investment in the Offered Shares, you should carefully consider the risk factors below together with all other information described in the Base Shelf Prospectus, the documents incorporated by reference in the Base Shelf Prospectus for purposes of the Offering, including our annual information form dated April 6, 2014 for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2014 and our interim management's discussion and analysis for the three months ended April 30, 2014, and other information in the Prospectus. If any of such or other risks occur, our business, prospects, financial condition, financial performance and cash flows could be materially adversely impacted. In that case, the trading price of the Common Shares could decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment.

We may have difficulties identifying, successfully integrating, maintaining or growing our acquired businesses.

        Businesses that we acquire may sell products or operate services that we have limited experience operating or managing. We may experience unanticipated challenges or difficulties identifying suitable acquisition candidates, integrating their businesses into our company, maintaining these businesses at their current levels or growing these businesses. Factors that may impair our ability to identify, successfully integrate, maintain or grow acquired businesses may include, but are not limited to:

We may fail to properly respond to any of these risks, which may have a material adverse effect on our business results.

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Investments in acquisitions and other business initiatives involve a number of risks that could harm our business.

        We have in the past acquired, and in the future expect to seek to acquire, additional products, services, customers, technologies and businesses that we believe are complementary to ours. For example, in our fiscal year ending January 31, 2015 we have acquired Customs Info and Computer Management, and in our fiscal year ended January 31, 2014, we acquired KSD, Compudata AG and Impatex Freight Software Ltd. In our fiscal year ended January 31, 2013, we acquired Infodis B.V., Integrated Export Systems, Ltd. and Exentra Transport Solutions Limited. We are unable to predict whether or when we will be able to identify any appropriate products, technologies or businesses for acquisition, or the likelihood that any potential acquisition will be available on terms acceptable to us or will be completed. Consequently, our assets, including a portion of the net proceeds of this Offering, may remain un-deployed or under-deployed, which may adversely affect our financial performance and the market price of the Common Shares. We also, from time to time, take on investments in other business initiatives, such as the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system.

        Acquisitions and other business initiatives involve a number of risks, including: diversion of management's attention from current operations; additional demands on resources, systems, procedures and controls; and disruption of our ongoing business. Acquisitions specifically involve risks, including: difficulties in integrating and retaining all or part of the acquired business, its customers and its personnel; assumption of disclosed and undisclosed liabilities; dealing with unfamiliar laws, customs and practices in foreign jurisdictions; and the effectiveness of the acquired company's internal controls and procedures. In addition, we may not identify all risks or fully assess risks identified in connection with an investment. As well, by investing in such initiatives, we may deplete our cash resources or dilute our shareholder base by issuing additional shares. Furthermore, for acquisitions, there is a risk that our valuation assumptions, customer retention expectations and our models for an acquired product or business may be erroneous or inappropriate due to foreseen or unforeseen circumstances and thereby cause us to overvalue an acquisition target. There is also a risk that the contemplated benefits of an acquisition or other investment may not materialize as planned or may not materialize within the time period or to the extent anticipated. The individual or combined effect of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our existing customers might cancel contracts with us, fail to renew contracts on their renewal dates, and/or fail to purchase additional services and products, and we may be unable to attract new customers.

        We depend on our installed customer base for a significant portion of our revenues. We have significant contracts with our license customers for ongoing support and maintenance, as well as significant service contracts that provide recurring services revenues to us, such as our contract to operate the U.S. Census Bureau's Automated Export System, AESDirect. In addition, our installed customer base has historically generated additional new license and services revenues for us. Service contracts are generally renewable at a customer's option, and there are generally no mandatory payment obligations or obligations to license additional software or subscribe for additional services.

        If our customers fail to renew their service contracts, fail to purchase additional services or products, or we are unable to attract new customers, then our revenues could decrease and our operating results could be adversely affected. Factors influencing such contract terminations could include changes in the financial circumstances of our customers, dissatisfaction with our products or services, our retirement or lack of support for our legacy products and services, our customers selecting or building alternate technologies to replace us, the cost of our products and services as compared to the cost of products and services offered by our competitors, our ability to attract, hire and maintain qualified personnel to meet customer needs, consolidating activities in the market, and changes in our customers' business or in regulation impacting our customers' business that may no longer necessitate the use of our products or services, general economic or market conditions, or other reasons. Further, our customers could delay or

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terminate implementations or use of our services and products or be reluctant to migrate to new products. Such customers will not generate the revenues we may have anticipated within the timelines anticipated, if at all, and may be less likely to invest in additional services or products from us in the future. We may not be able to adjust our expense levels quickly enough to account for any such revenue losses. In addition, loss of one or more of our key customers could adversely impact our competitive position in the marketplace and hurt our credibility and ability to attract new customers.

System or network failures or information security breaches in connection with our services and products could reduce our sales, impair our reputation, increase costs or result in liability claims, and seriously harm our business.

        Any disruption to our services and products, our own information systems or communications networks or those of third-party providers on which we rely as part of our own product offerings could result in the inability of our customers to receive our products for an indeterminate period of time. Our ability to deliver our products and services depends on the development and maintenance of internet infrastructure by third parties. This includes maintenance of reliable networks with the necessary security, speed, data capacity and bandwidth. While our services are designed to operate without interruption, we have experienced, and may in the future experience, interruptions and delays in services and availability from time to time. In the event of a catastrophic event with respect to one or more of our systems, we may experience an extended period of system unavailability, which could negatively impact our relationship with customers. Our services and products may not function properly for reasons which may include, but are not limited to, the following:

        In addition, any disruption to the availability of customer information, or any compromise to the integrity or confidentiality of customer information in our systems or networks, or the systems or networks of third parties on which we rely, could result in our customers being unable to effectively use our products or services or forced to take mitigating actions to protect their information. Back-up and redundant systems may be insufficient or may fail and result in a disruption of availability of our products or services to our customers or the integrity or availability of our customers' information.

        Any disruption to our services or compromise of customer information could impair our reputation and cause us to lose customers or revenue, or face litigation, necessitate customer service or repair work that would involve substantial costs and distract management from operating our business. Such issues could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

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General economic conditions may affect our results of operations and financial condition.

        Demand for our products depends in large part upon the level of capital and operating expenditures by many of our customers. Decreased capital and operational spending could have a material adverse effect on the demand for our products and our business, results of operations, cash flow and overall financial condition. Disruptions in the financial markets, the 2011 downgrade in U.S. debt and ongoing debt concerns in Europe may adversely impact the availability of credit already arranged and the availability and cost of credit in the future, which could result in the delay or cancellation of projects or capital programs on which our business depends. In addition, disruptions in the financial markets may also have an adverse impact on regional economies or the world economy, which could negatively impact the capital and operating expenditures of our customers. These conditions may reduce the willingness or ability of our customers and prospective customers to commit funds to purchase our products and services, or their ability to pay for our products and services after purchase.

Changes in government filing requirements for global trade may adversely impact our business.

        Our regulatory compliance services help our customers comply with government filing requirements relating to global trade. The services that we offer may be impacted, from time to time, by changes in these requirements. Changes in requirements that impact electronic regulatory filings or import/export compliance, including changes adding or reducing filing requirements, changes in enforcement practices or changes in the government agency responsible for such requirements could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Disruptions in the movement of freight could negatively affect our revenues.

        Our business is highly dependent on the movement of freight from one point to another since we generate transaction revenues as freight is moved by, to or from our customers. If there are disruptions in the movement of freight or proper reporting, whether as a result of labor disputes, weather or natural disaster, or caused by terrorists, political instability, or security activities, contagious illness outbreaks, or otherwise, then the traffic volume on our Global Logistics Network will be impacted and our revenues will be adversely affected. As these types of freight disruptions are generally unpredictable, there can be no assurance that our business, results of operations and financial condition will not be adversely affected by such events.

Changes in the value of the U.S. dollar, as compared to the currencies of other countries where we transact business, could harm our operating results and financial condition.

        Historically, the majority of our revenues have been denominated in U.S. dollars. However, the majority of our international expenses, including the wages of our non-U.S. employees and certain key supply agreements, have been denominated in Canadian dollars, euros and other foreign currencies. Therefore, changes in the value of the U.S. dollar as compared to the Canadian dollar, the euro and other foreign currencies may materially affect our operating results. We generally have not implemented hedging programs to mitigate our exposure to currency fluctuations affecting international accounts receivable, cash balances and inter-company accounts. We also have not hedged our exposure to currency fluctuations affecting future international revenues and expenses and other commitments. Accordingly, currency exchange rate fluctuations have caused, and may continue to cause, variability in our foreign currency denominated revenue streams, expenses, and our cost to settle foreign currency denominated liabilities.

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If we fail to attract and retain key personnel, it would adversely affect our ability to develop and effectively manage our business.

        Our performance is substantially dependent on the performance of our highly qualified management, technical expertise, and sales and marketing personnel, which we regard as key individuals to our business. We do not maintain life insurance policies on any of our employees that list Descartes as a loss payee. Our success is highly dependent on our ability to identify, hire, train, motivate, promote, and retain key individuals. Significant competition exists for management and skilled personnel. If we fail to cross train key employees, particularly those with specialized knowledge it could impair our ability to provide consistent and uninterrupted service to our customers. If we are not able to attract, retain or establish an effective succession planning program for key individuals it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and the price of our Common Shares.

        We have in the past, and may in the future, make changes to our executive management team or board of directors. There can be no assurance that any such changes and the resulting transition will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and the price of our Common Shares.

We may have exposure to greater than anticipated tax liabilities or expenses.

        We are subject to income and non-income taxes in various jurisdictions and our tax structure is subject to review by both domestic and foreign taxation authorities. The determination of our worldwide provision for income taxes and other tax liabilities requires significant judgment. In the ordinary course of a global business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. Tax filings are subject to audits, which could materially change the amount of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities. We have recorded a valuation allowance against a portion of our net deferred tax assets. If we achieve a consistent level of profitability, the likelihood of further reducing our deferred tax valuation allowance for some portion of the losses incurred in prior periods in one of our jurisdictions will increase. We calculate our current and deferred tax provision based on estimates and assumptions that could differ from the actual results reflected in income tax returns filed during subsequent years. Adjustments based on filed returns are generally recorded in the period when the tax returns are filed and the global tax implications are known. Our estimate of the potential outcome for any uncertain tax issue is based on a number of assumptions. Any further changes to the valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets would also result in an income tax recovery or income tax expense, as applicable, on the consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the valuation allowance is changed.

Changes to earnings resulting from past acquisitions may adversely affect our operating results.

        Under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") Topic 805, "Business Combinations", we allocate the total purchase price to an acquired company's net tangible assets, intangible assets and in-process research and development based on their values as of the date of the acquisition (including certain assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value) and record the excess of the purchase price over those values as goodwill. Management's estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable but which are inherently uncertain. After we complete an acquisition, the following factors, among others, could result in material charges that would adversely affect our operating results and may adversely affect our cash flows:

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        Routine charges to our operating results associated with acquisitions include amortization of intangible assets, acquisition-related costs and restructuring charges. Acquisition-related costs primarily include advisory services, brokerage services and administrative costs with respect to completed and prospective acquisitions.

        We expect to continue to incur additional costs associated with combining the operations of our acquired companies, which may be substantial. Additional costs may include costs of employee redeployment, relocation and retention, including salary increases or bonuses, accelerated stock-based compensation expenses and severance payments, reorganization or closure of facilities, taxes, and termination of contracts that provide redundant or conflicting services. These costs would be accounted for as expenses and would decrease our net income and earnings per share for the periods in which those adjustments are made.

Our success depends on our ability to continue to innovate and to create new solutions and enhancements to our existing products.

        We may not be able to develop and introduce new solutions and enhancements to our existing products that respond to new technologies or shipment regulations on a timely basis. If we are unable to develop and sell new products and new features for our existing products that keep pace with rapid technological and regulatory change as well as developments in the transportation logistics industry, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. We intend to continue to invest significant resources in research and development to enhance our existing products and services and introduce new high-quality products that customers will want. If we are unable to predict or quickly react to user preferences or changes in the transportation logistics industry, or its regulatory requirements, or if we are unable to modify our products and services on a timely basis or to effectively bring new products to market, our sales may suffer.

        In addition, we may experience difficulties with software or hardware development, design, integration with third-party software or hardware, or marketing that could delay or prevent our introduction, deployment or implementation of new solutions and enhancements. The introduction of new solutions by competitors, the emergence of new industry standards or the development of entirely new technologies to replace existing offerings could render our existing or future solutions obsolete.

        We may not have sufficient resources to make the necessary investments in software development and our technical infrastructure, and we may experience difficulties that could delay or prevent the successful development, introduction or marketing of new products or enhancements. In addition, our products or enhancements may not meet increasingly complex customer requirements or achieve market acceptance at the rate we expect, or at all. Any failure by us to anticipate or respond adequately to technological advancements, customer requirements and changing industry standards, or any significant delays in the development, introduction or availability of new products or enhancements, could undermine our current market position and negatively impact our business, results of operations or financial condition.

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As we continue to increase our international operations we increase our exposure to international business risks that could cause our operating results to suffer.

        While our headquarters are in Canada, we currently have direct operations in the United States, Europe and the Asia Pacific region. We anticipate that these international operations will continue to require significant management attention and financial resources to localize our services and products for delivery in these markets, to develop compliance expertise relating to international regulatory agencies, and to develop direct and indirect sales and support channels in those markets. We face a number of risks associated with conducting our business internationally that could negatively impact our operating results. These risks include, but are not limited to:

We are dependent on certain key vendors for our inventory of telematics units, which could impede our development and expansion.

        We currently have relationships with a small number of mobile asset unit vendors over which we have no operational or financial control and no influence in how these vendors conduct their businesses. Suppliers of mobile asset units could among other things, extend delivery times, raise prices and limit supply due to their own shortages and business requirements. Interruption in the supply of equipment from these vendors could delay our ability to maintain, grow and expand our telematics solutions business. If our relationships with any of these unit vendors were to terminate, there is no guarantee that our

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remaining unit vendors would be able to handle the increased equipment supply required to maintain and grow our expansive networks at our desired rates. There is also no guarantee that business relationships with other key unit vendors could be entered into, on terms desirable or favorable to us, if at all. Fewer key vendors might mean that existing or potential customers are unable to meaningfully communicate using our Global Logistics Network, which may cause existing and potential customers to move to competitors' products. Such equipment supply issues could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Increases in fuel prices and other transportation costs may have an adverse effect on the businesses of our customers resulting in them spending less money with us.

        Our customers are all involved, directly or indirectly, in the delivery of goods from one point to another, particularly transportation providers and freight forwarders. As the costs of these deliveries become more expensive, whether as a result of increases in fuel costs or otherwise, our customers may have fewer funds available to spend on our products and services. There can be no assurance that these companies will be able to allocate sufficient funds to use our products and services. In addition, rising fuel costs may cause global or geographic-specific reductions in the number of shipments being made, thereby impacting the number of transactions being processed by our Global Logistics Network and our corresponding network revenues.

If we need additional capital in the future and are unable to obtain it or can only obtain it on unfavorable terms, our operations may be adversely affected, and the market price for our securities could decline.

        Historically, we have financed our operations primarily through cash flows from our operations, the sale of our equity securities and borrowing under our debt facility. In addition to our current cash and cash equivalents and available debt facilities, we may need to raise additional debt or equity capital to fund expansion of our operations, to enhance our services and products, or to acquire or invest in complementary products, services, businesses or technologies. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to undertake incremental financing transactions. If we raise additional funds through further issuances of convertible debt or equity securities, our existing shareholders could suffer significant dilution and any new equity securities we issue could have rights, preferences and privileges superior to those attaching to our Common Shares. Our current debt facility contains, and any debt financing secured by us in the future could contain restrictive covenants relating to our capital-raising activities and other financial and operational matters, which may make it more difficult for us to obtain additional capital and to pursue business opportunities, including potential acquisitions. In addition, we may not be able to obtain additional financing on terms favorable to us, if at all. If adequate funds are not available on terms favorable or at all, our operations and growth strategy may be adversely affected and the market price for our Common Shares could decline.

We may not be able to compensate for downward pricing pressure on certain products and services by increased volumes of transactions or increased prices elsewhere in our business, ultimately resulting in lower revenues.

        Some of our products and services are sold to industries where there is downward pricing pressure on the particular product or service due to competition, general industry conditions or other causes. If we cannot offset any such downward pricing pressure, then the particular customer may generate less revenue for our business or we may have less aggregate revenue. This could have an adverse impact on our operating results.

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Concerns about the environmental impacts of greenhouse gas emissions and global climate change may result in environmental taxes, charges, regulatory schemes, assessments or penalties, which could restrict or negatively impact our operations or reduce our profitability.

        The impacts of human activity on global climate change have attracted considerable public and scientific attention, as well as the attention of the United States and other governments. Efforts are being made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption, including those from automobiles and other modes of transportation. The added cost of any environmental regulation, taxes, charges, assessments or penalties levied or imposed on our customers in light of these efforts could result in additional costs for our customers, which could lead them to reduce use of our services. There are also a number of legislative and environmental regulatory initiatives internationally that could restrict or negatively impact our operations or increase our costs. Additionally, environmental regulation, taxes, charges, assessments or penalties could be levied or imposed directly on us. Any enactment of laws or passage of regulations regarding greenhouse gas emissions by Canada, the United States, or any other jurisdiction we conduct our business in, could adversely affect our operations and financial results.

The general cyclical and seasonal nature of the freight market may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

        Our business may be impacted from time to time by the general cyclical and seasonal nature of particular modes of transportation and the freight market in general, as well as the cyclical and seasonal nature of the industries that such markets serve. Factors which may create cyclical fluctuations in such modes of transportation or the freight market in general include legal and regulatory requirements, timing of contract renewals between our customers and their own customers, seasonal-based tariffs, vacation periods applicable to particular shipping or receiving nations, weather-related events that impact shipping in particular geographies and amendments to international trade agreements. Since some of our revenues from particular products and services are tied to the volume of shipments being processed, adverse fluctuations in the volume of global shipments or shipments in any particular mode of transportation may adversely affect our revenues. Declines in shipment volumes in the United States or internationally likely would have a material adverse effect on our business.

From time to time, we may be subject to litigation or dispute resolution that could result in significant costs to us and damage to our reputation.

        From time to time, we may be subject to litigation or dispute resolution relating to any number or type of claims, including claims for damages related to undetected errors or malfunctions of our services and products or their deployment, claims related to previously-completed acquisition transactions or claims relating to applicable securities laws. Litigation may seriously harm our business because of the costs of defending the lawsuit, diversion of employees' time and attention and potential damage to our reputation.

        Further, our services and products are complex and often implemented by our customers to interact with third-party technology or networks. Claims may be made against us for damages properly attributable to those third-party technologies or networks, regardless of our lack of responsibility for any failure resulting in a loss, even if our services and products perform in accordance with their functional specifications. We may also have disputes with key suppliers for damages incurred which, depending on resolution of the disputes, could impact the ongoing quality, price or availability of the services or products we procure from the supplier. Limitation of liability provisions in certain third-party contracts may not be enforceable under the laws of some jurisdictions. As a result, we could be required to pay substantial amounts of damages in settlement or upon the determination of any of these types of claims, and incur damage to our reputation and products. The likelihood of such claims and the amount of damages we may be required to pay may increase as our customers increasingly use our services and products for critical

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business functions, or rely on our services and products as the systems of record to store data for use by other customer applications. Our insurance may not cover potential claims, or may not be adequate to cover all costs incurred in defense of potential claims or to indemnify us for all liability that may be imposed. A claim brought against us that is uninsured or underinsured could result in unanticipated costs, thereby harming our operating results and leading analysts or potential investors to lower their expectations of our performance, which could reduce the trading price of our Common Shares.

We may not remain competitive. Increased competition could seriously harm our business.

        The market for supply chain technology is highly competitive and subject to rapid technological change. We expect that competition will increase in the future. To maintain and improve our competitive position, we must continue to develop and introduce in a timely and cost effective manner new products, product features and network services to keep pace with our competitors. We currently face competition from a large number of specific market entrants, some of which are focused on specific industries, geographic regions or other components of markets we operate in.

        Current and potential competitors include supply chain application software vendors, customers that undertake internal software development efforts, value-added networks and business document exchanges, enterprise resource planning software vendors, regulatory filing companies, and general business application software vendors. Many of our current and potential competitors may have one or more of the following relative advantages:

        Further, current and potential competitors have established, or may establish, cooperative relationships and business combinations among themselves or with third parties to enhance their products, which may result in increased competition. In addition, we expect to experience increasing price competition and competition surrounding other commercial terms as we compete for market share. In particular, larger competitors or competitors with a broader range of services and products may bundle their products, rendering our products more expensive and/or less functional. As a result of these and other factors, we may be unable to compete successfully with our existing or new competitors.

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If we are unable to generate broad market acceptance of our services, products and pricing, serious harm could result to our business.

        We currently derive substantially all of our revenues from our federated network and global logistics technology solutions and expect to do so in the future. Broad market acceptance of these types of services and products, and their related pricing, is therefore critical to our future success. The demand for, and market acceptance of, our services and products is subject to a high level of uncertainty. Some of our services and products are often considered complex and may involve a new approach to the conduct of business by our customers. The market for our services and products may weaken, competitors may develop superior services and products that perform logistics services on a global scale or within a particular geographic region, or we may fail to develop or maintain acceptable services and products to address new market conditions, governmental regulations or technological changes. Any one of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our success and ability to compete depend upon our ability to secure and protect patents, trademarks and other proprietary rights.

        We consider certain aspects of our internal operations, products, services and related documentation to be proprietary, and we primarily rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws and other measures to protect our proprietary rights. Patent applications or issued patents, as well as trademark, copyright, and trade secret rights may not provide adequate protection or competitive advantage and may require significant resources to obtain and defend. We will also not be able to protect our intellectual property if we are unable to enforce our rights or if we do not detect unauthorized use of our intellectual property. Despite our precautions, it may be possible for unauthorized third parties to copy our products and use information that we regard as proprietary to create products and services that compete with ours. We also rely on contractual restrictions in our agreements with customers, employees, outsourced developers and others to protect our intellectual property rights. There can be no assurance that these agreements will not be breached, that we will have adequate remedies for any breach, or that our patents, copyrights, trademarks or trade secrets will not otherwise become known. Through an escrow arrangement, we have granted some of our customers a contingent future right to use our source code for software products solely for their internal maintenance services. If our source code is accessed through an escrow, the likelihood of misappropriation or other misuse of our intellectual property may increase.

        Moreover, the laws of some countries do not protect proprietary intellectual property rights as effectively as do the laws of the United States and Canada. Protecting and defending our intellectual property rights could be costly regardless of venue. In order to protect our intellectual property rights, we may be required to spend significant resources to monitor and protect these rights. Litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets, to determine the validity and scope of the intellectual property rights of others or to defend against claims of infringement or invalidity. Litigation brought to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights could be costly, time consuming and distracting to management and could result in the impairment or loss of portions of our intellectual property. Furthermore, our efforts to enforce our intellectual property rights may be met with defenses, counterclaims and countersuits attacking the validity and enforceability of our intellectual property rights. Our inability to protect our proprietary technology against unauthorized copying or use, as well as any costly litigation or diversion of our management's attention and resources, could delay further sales or the implementation of our solutions, impair the functionality of our solutions, delay introductions of new solutions, result in our substituting inferior or more costly technologies into our solutions, or injure our reputation.

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Claims that we infringe third-party proprietary rights could trigger indemnification obligations and result in significant expenses or restrictions on our ability to provide our products or services.

        Competitors and other third parties have claimed, and in the future may claim, that our current or future services or products infringe their proprietary rights or assert other claims against us. Many of our competitors have obtained patents covering products and services generally related to our products and services, and they may assert these patents against us. Such claims, whether with or without merit, could be time consuming and expensive to litigate or settle and could divert management attention from focusing on our core business.

        As a result of such a dispute, we may have to pay damages, incur substantial legal fees, suspend the sale or deployment of our services and products, develop costly non-infringing technology, if possible, or enter into license agreements, which may not be available on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Any of these results would increase our expenses and could decrease the functionality of our services and products, which would make our services and products less attractive to our current and/or potential customers. We have agreed in some of our agreements, and may agree in the future, to indemnify other parties for any expenses or liabilities resulting from claimed infringements of the proprietary rights of third parties. If we are required to make payments pursuant to these indemnification agreements, such payments could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our results of operations may vary significantly from quarter to quarter and therefore may be difficult to predict or may fail to meet investment community expectations.

        Our results of operations may vary from quarter to quarter in the future due to a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control. Such factors include, but are not limited to:

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        Although our revenues may fluctuate from quarter to quarter, significant portions of our expenses are not variable in the short term, and we may not be able to reduce them quickly to respond to decreases in revenues. If revenues are below expectations, this shortfall is likely to adversely and/or disproportionately affect our operating results. If this occurs, the trading price of our Common Shares may fall substantially.

Any failure to offer high-quality customer services may adversely affect our relationships with our customers and our financial results.

        Our customers depend on our customer service organization to resolve issues relating to our solutions and to train them to use our platform. High-quality customer services are important for the successful marketing and sale of our products and for the retention of existing customers and to sell additional add-on applications to our existing customers. If we do not help our customers quickly resolve issues and provide effective ongoing support, our ability to sell additional products to existing customers would suffer and our reputation with existing or potential customers would be harmed. In addition, our sales process is highly dependent on our applications and business reputation and on positive recommendations from our existing customers. Any failure to maintain high-quality customer services, or a market perception that we do not maintain high-quality customer services, could adversely affect our reputation, our ability to sell our solutions to existing and prospective customers, and our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Privacy laws and regulations are extensive, open to various interpretations, complex to implement and may reduce demand for our products, and failure to comply may impose significant liabilities.

        Our customers can use our products to collect, use, process and store information regarding their shipments. Federal, state and foreign government bodies and agencies may adopt laws and regulations regarding the collection, use, processing, storage and disclosure of such information obtained from consumers and individuals. In addition to government regulatory activity, privacy advocacy groups and the technology industry and other industries may consider various new, additional or different self-regulatory standards that may place additional burdens directly on our customers and target customers, and indirectly on us. Our products are expected to be capable of use by our customers in compliance with such laws and regulations. The functional and operational requirements and costs of compliance with such laws and regulations may adversely impact our business, and failure to enable our products to comply with such laws and regulations could lead to significant fines and penalties imposed by regulators, as well as claims by our customers or third parties. Additionally, all of these domestic and international legislative and regulatory initiatives could adversely affect our customers' ability or desire to collect, use, process and store shipment logistics information, which could reduce demand for our products.

The price of our Common Shares has in the past been volatile and may also be volatile in the future.

        The trading price of our Common Shares may be subject to fluctuation in the future. This may make it more difficult for you to resell your Common Shares when you want at prices that you find attractive. Increases in our Common Share price may also increase our compensation expense pursuant to our existing director, officer and employee compensation arrangements. Fluctuations in our Common Share

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price may be caused by events unrelated to our operating performance and beyond our control. Factors that may contribute to fluctuations include, but are not limited to:

        If the market price of our Common Shares drops significantly, shareholders could institute securities class action lawsuits against us, regardless of the merits of such claims. Such a lawsuit could cause us to incur substantial costs and could divert the time and attention of our management and other resources from our business.

Fair value assessments of our intangible assets required by U.S. GAAP may require us to record significant non-cash charges associated with intangible asset impairment.

        Significant portions of our assets, which include customer agreements and relationships, non-compete covenants, existing technologies and trade names, are intangible. We amortize intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. We review the carrying value of these assets at least annually for evidence of impairment. In accordance with ASC Topic 360-10-35, "Property, Plant, and Equipment: Overview: Subsequent Measurement" an impairment loss is recognized when the estimate of undiscounted future cash flows generated by such assets is less than the carrying amount. Measurement of the impairment loss is based on the present value of the expected future cash flows. Future fair value assessments of intangible assets may require impairment charges to be recorded in the results of operations for future periods. This could impair our ability to achieve or maintain profitability in the future.

If our Common Share price decreases to a level such that the fair value of our net assets is less than the carrying value of our net assets, we may be required to record additional significant non-cash charges associated with goodwill impairment.

        We account for goodwill in accordance with ASC Topic 350, "Intangibles — Goodwill and Other", which among other things, requires that goodwill be tested for impairment at least annually. We have designated the third quarter for our annual impairment test. Should the fair value of our net assets, determined by our market capitalization, be less than the carrying value of our net assets at future annual

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impairment test dates, we may have to recognize goodwill impairment losses in our future results of operations. This could impair our ability to achieve or maintain profitability in the future.

We have a substantial accumulated deficit and a history of losses and may incur losses in the future.

        As at April 30, 2014, our accumulated deficit was US$294.2 million, which has been accumulated from 2005 and prior fiscal periods. There can be no assurance that we will not incur losses again in the future. If we fail to maintain profitability, the market price of our Common Shares may decline.

Future sales or issuances of equity securities could decrease the value of our Common Shares, dilute investors' voting power and reduce our earnings per share.

        We may sell additional equity securities in subsequent offerings (including through the sale of securities convertible into equity securities) and may issue additional equity securities to finance operations, acquisitions or other projects. We cannot predict the size of future issuances of equity securities or the size and terms of future issuances of debt instruments or other securities convertible into equity securities or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of our securities will have on the market price of the Common Shares. Any transaction involving the issuance of previously authorized but unissued Common Shares, or securities convertible into Common Shares, would result in dilution, possibly substantial, to security holders. Exercises of presently outstanding share options may also result in dilution to security holders.

        Sales of substantial amounts of our securities, or the availability of such securities for sale, could adversely affect the prevailing market prices for our securities and dilute investors' earnings per share. A decline in the market prices of our securities could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of securities should we desire to do so.

We do not currently intend to pay any cash dividends on our Common Shares in the foreseeable future.

        We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our Common Shares to date. Although we review our dividend policy from time to time, our current policy is to retain earnings to finance expansion and to develop, license and acquire new products and to otherwise reinvest in its business. Therefore, we do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Until we pay dividends, which we may never do, shareholders will not be able to receive return on their Common Shares unless they sell them at an amount greater than the price at which shares were acquired.

Discretion in use of proceeds.

        We will have broad discretion concerning the use of the net proceeds of the Offering as well as the timing of any expenditures. As a result, a purchaser of Offered Shares will be relying on the judgment of management with respect to the application of the net proceeds of the Offering. Management may use the net proceeds of the Offering in ways that an investor may not consider desirable. The results and the effectiveness of the application of the net proceeds are uncertain. If the net proceeds are not applied effectively, our financial performance and financial condition may be adversely affected and the Common Shares could lose value.

Future sales of Common Shares by our existing shareholders could cause our Common Share price to fall.

        If our shareholders sell substantial amounts of the Common Shares in the public market, the market price of the Common Shares could fall. The perception among investors that these sales will occur could also produce this effect.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

        We expect to receive net proceeds from the sale of the Common Shares in this Offering of approximately US$           million, after deducting underwriting fees of US$           million and estimated offering expenses of approximately US$0.7 million. If the Over-Allotment Option is exercised in full, the net proceeds that we will receive from the Offering are estimated to be approximately US$          after deducting underwriting fees of US$           million and estimated offering expenses of approximately US$0.7 million. See "Underwriting" in this Prospectus Supplement.

        We intend to use the net proceeds from this Offering for general corporate purposes, including as an available source of funding for potential future acquisition opportunities, as well as for possible repayment of outstanding indebtedness under our Amended Facility. Amounts repaid under the Amended Facility may be re-borrowed and used by the Corporation for funding future acquisitions and for general corporate purposes, subject in each case to satisfaction of certain covenant and financial ratios.

        We invest our cash balances in accordance with our investment policy as approved by our board of directors. This generally results in cash being invested in short-term, interest bearing securities such as government securities and other highly rated investment-grade securities. Our board of directors has established an investment policy which requires that our cash reserves be invested with the purpose of ensuring the highest level of safety of principal, liquidity and yield, in that order of importance. Our audit committee is responsible for reviewing and approving our investment policy on an annual basis. While we currently anticipate that we will use the net proceeds of the Offering received as set forth above, we may re-allocate these proceeds from time to time having consideration to our strategy relative to the market and other conditions in effect at the time.

        From time to time, we evaluate various potential acquisition opportunities, some of which could, if consummated, have a material impact on Descartes. There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify acquisition opportunities that meet our strategic objectives, or to the extent such opportunities are identified, that we will be able to negotiate acquisition terms that are acceptable to us. At this time we have made no commitments with respect to any transaction. It is not possible to predict whether future discussions may lead to the announcement of a transaction, or the timeframe within which this might occur. However, we cannot preclude the possibility that agreement on one or more acquisition transactions will be reached in the weeks or months following the closing of this Offering. In such circumstances, as noted above, all or a portion of the net proceeds of the Offering received by us may be allocated to effect such acquisitions. See "Risk Factors" in this Prospectus Supplement.

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CONSOLIDATED CAPITALIZATION

        Other than described above and under the heading "Recent Developments", there have been no material changes in our share or loan capital on a consolidated basis since April 30, 2014, being the date on which our most recently completed interim financial quarter ended. The following table sets forth our cash and cash equivalents and consolidated capitalization as at April 30, 2014, on an actual basis and on an as adjusted basis after giving effect to the acquisition of Customs Info, the Amended Facility and this Offering.

        You should read the following table in conjunction with our interim management's discussion and analysis for the three months ended April 30, 2014 and our consolidated financial statements and related notes incorporated by reference in the Base Shelf Prospectus for purposes of the Offering.

 
  As at April 30, 2014  
 
  Actual   As Adjusted(1)(2)  
 
  (in thousands of US$, except share and per share data)
 

Cash and cash equivalents

    62,351                 
           
           

Long-term debt, including current portion of debt(1)

   
38,990
   
58,990
 
           

Total shareholders' equity

   
 
   
 
 

Share capital (Common Shares authorized: unlimited; issued and outstanding as at April 30, 2014: 63,682,203; as adjusted to give effect to the acquisition of Customs Info and this Offering: 73,598,640)(2)

    97,898                 

Additional paid-in capital

    451,664                 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

    2,650        

Accumulated deficit

    (294,230 )      

Total equity

    257,982                 
           

Total Capitalization

    296,972        
           
           

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TRADING PRICE AND VOLUME

        The Common Shares are listed and posted for trading on the TSX under the symbol "DSG" and on the NASDAQ under the symbol "DSGX". The following table sets forth the reported trading price range and aggregate daily volume of trading of the Common Shares during the 12 months preceding the date of this Prospectus Supplement.

 
  TSX   NASDAQ
 
  Price Range
(low-high)
  Aggregate Volume   Price Range
(low-high)
  Aggregate Volume

June 1-20, 2014

  C$14.02 — 15.91   2,563,680   US$12.83 — 14.74   883,110

May 2014

  C$13.32 — 15.00   3,137,461   US$12.25 — 13.72   390,566

April 2014

  C$14.65 — 16.24   4,802,166   US$13.36 — 14.67   1,050,040

March 2014

  C$14.82 — 17.02   2,746,264   US$13.43 — 15.16   1,070,159

February 2014

  C$15.14 — 16.10   3,060,805   US$13.63 — 14.56   234,215

January 2014

  C$13.96 — 16.31   3,593,387   US$13.06 — 15.71   309,258

December 2013

  C$13.31 — 15.06   8,025,442   US$12.50 — 14.17   617,871

November 2013

  C$12.23 — 14.87   4,547,154   US$11.10 — 14.69   208,168

October 2013

  C$11.51 — 13.24   1,732,634   US$11.02 — 12.65   197,483

September 2013

  C$11.03 — 12.44   1,214,460   US$10.48 — 11.99   192,926

August 2013

  C$10.93 — 12.62   1,050,869   US$10.46 — 12.55   199,386

July 2013

  C$11.38 — 12.51   829,659   US$10.65 — 11.87   161,301

June 2013

  C$10.61 — 12.43   1,618,551   US$10.29 — 11.79   772,890

Source: Bloomberg

        The closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX and NASDAQ on June 20, 2014 was C$15.79 and US$14.73, respectively.


PRIOR SALES

        During the 12 months prior to the date hereof, no Common Shares have been issued by us other than: (a) 968,463 Common Shares issued pursuant to the exercise of options granted with exercise prices ranging from C$3.13 to C$6.49 per Common Share under our option-based compensation arrangements; (b) 146,833 Common Shares issued pursuant to the redemption of performance share units and restricted share units granted under our share-based compensation arrangements (see "Security-Based Compensation Arrangements — PRSU Plan" in our management information circular dated May 1, 2014 for a summary description of applicable grant and redemption parameters); and (c) 416,437 Common Shares issued on May 30, 2014 at US$12.91 per Common Share in connection with the acquisition of Customs Info (see "Recent Developments" in this Prospectus Supplement).

        Further, during the 12 months prior to the date hereof, we have not issued any options, performance share units or restricted share units pursuant to our share-based compensation arrangements under which Common Shares are issuable (see "Security-Based Compensation Arrangements — PRSU Plan" in our management information circular dated May 1, 2014 for a summary description of applicable grant and redemption parameters). Our board has also approved pending grants of (a) options to acquire 195,000 Common Shares, with exercise prices to be determined in accordance with the terms of such grants; and (b) performance share units and restricted share units, under which Common Shares are issuable, having an aggregate value as of the date of grant of approximately US$2.1 million.

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MANAGEMENT

Executive Officers

        We believe we have a highly experienced management team with a track record of success. The following table sets forth certain information relating to executive officers as of the date of this Prospectus Supplement.

Name
  Position   Experience

Edward J. Ryan

  Chief Executive Officer   14 years at Descartes

J. Scott Pagan

  President and Chief Operating Officer   14 years at Descartes

Allan Brett

  Chief Financial Officer   18 years at Aastra(1)

Ed Gardner

  Executive Vice President, Corporate Development   10 years at Descartes

Raimond Diederik

  Executive Vice President, Information Services   17 years at Descartes

Kenneth Wood

  Executive Vice President, Product Management   13 years at Descartes

Chris Jones

  Executive Vice President, Marketing and Services   10 years at Descartes

Michael Verhoeve

  Executive Vice President, Legal, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary   11 years as a General Counsel(2)

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CERTAIN INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

        Prospective purchasers of Common Shares should consult their own tax advisers as to the U.S., Canadian or other tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the Common Shares, including, in particular, the application to their particular situations of the tax considerations discussed below, as well as the application of state, local, foreign or other tax laws.

United States

        The following discussion summarizes certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to an investment in the Common Shares by a U.S. holder (as defined below) (i) who is a resident of the United States for purposes of the Convention Between the United States and Canada with Respect to Taxes on Income and Capital, together with related Protocols and Competent Authority Agreements (the "Convention"), (ii) whose Common Shares are not, for purposes of the Convention, effectively connected with such U.S. holder's permanent establishment in Canada and (iii) who otherwise qualifies for the full benefits of the Convention. For purposes of this discussion, a "U.S. holder" is a beneficial owner of Common Shares that holds such shares as capital assets within the meaning of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") (generally, property held for investment), and is any of the following: (i) an individual citizen or resident of the United States and not of Canada, (ii) a corporation (or any entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (iii) an estate, the income of which is includible in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust if (a) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons (as defined in the Code) have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (b) it has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person. It does not address any aspect of U.S. federal non-income tax, such as the gift or estate tax, the 3.8% tax on net investment income, nor of state, local or non-U.S. taxes and does not address aspects of U.S. federal income taxation applicable to U.S. holders holding options, warrants or other rights to acquire Common Shares. Further, this discussion does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. holders that are subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax laws, including, but not limited to U.S. holders that own, have owned or will own directly, indirectly or by attribution 10% or more of our voting power; broker dealers; banks or insurance companies; real estate investment trusts; financial institutions; regulated investment companies; taxpayers who have elected mark-to-market accounting; tax-exempt organizations; taxpayers who hold Common Shares as part of a "straddle," "hedge," or "conversion transaction" with other investments; individual retirement or other tax deferred accounts; passive foreign investment companies, controlled foreign corporations, taxpayers whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar; partnerships (or entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes) or the partners therein; S corporations; taxpayers subject to the alternative minimum tax; or U.S. expatriates and certain former long-term residents of the United States.

        If a partnership (or other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) owns Common Shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships holding Common Shares and their partners should consult their tax advisers regarding an investment in Common Shares.

        The discussion is based upon the provisions of the Code, the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, the Convention, the rulings and administrative practices published by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and U.S. judicial decisions, each as in effect as of the date of this Prospectus Supplement and all of which are subject to change, potentially with retroactive effect. This discussion does not consider the potential effects, both adverse and beneficial, of any recently proposed legislation which, if enacted, could be applied, possibly on a retroactive basis, at any time.

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        THIS DISCUSSION WAS WRITTEN TO SUPPORT THE OFFERING. THIS DISCUSSION WAS NOT INTENDED OR WRITTEN TO BE USED, AND CANNOT BE USED, FOR THE PURPOSE OF AVOIDING ANY FEDERAL TAX PENALTIES THAT THE IRS MAY ATTEMPT TO IMPOSE. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR INDEPENDENT TAX ADVISERS WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS, AS WELL AS ANY INCOME TAX OR OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP OR DISPOSITION OF OUR COMMON SHARES ARISING UNDER THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES, ANY STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. OR OTHER TAXING JURISDICTION, OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE TAX TREATY.

Distributions on the Common Shares

        Subject to the discussion below under "Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules," U.S. holders generally will treat the gross amount of distributions paid by Descartes, without reduction for Canadian withholding tax (see "Certain Income Tax Considerations — Canada — Dividends"), as dividend income for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. Because we do not expect to maintain calculations of our earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles, it is expected that distributions paid to U.S. holders generally will be reported as dividends.

        With respect to non-corporate U.S. holders, certain dividends received from a qualified foreign corporation (such dividends, "qualified dividend income") may be subject to reduced rates of taxation. A qualified foreign corporation includes a foreign corporation that is not a PFIC for the taxable year of the corporation in which the dividend is paid, or the preceding taxable year, and that is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that the U.S. Treasury Department determines to be satisfactory for these purposes and that includes an exchange of information provision. The U.S. Treasury Department has determined that the Convention meets these requirements. Non-corporate holders that do not meet a minimum holding period requirement during which they are not protected from the risk of loss or that elect to treat the dividend income as "investment income" pursuant to section 163(d)(4) of the Code (dealing with the deduction for investment interest expense) will not be eligible for the reduced rates of taxation applicable to qualified dividend income regardless of our status as a "qualified foreign corporation." In addition, the rate reduction will not apply to dividends if the recipient of a dividend is obligated to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. This disallowance applies even if the minimum holding period has been met.

        The amount of any dividend paid in foreign currency will be the U.S. dollar value of the foreign currency distributed by us, calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date the dividend is includible in the U.S. holder's income, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt. Generally, a U.S. holder should not recognize any foreign currency gain or loss if the foreign currency is converted into U.S. dollars on the date the payment is received. However, any gain or loss resulting from currency exchange fluctuations during the period from the date the U.S. holder includes the dividend payment in income to the date such U.S. holder actually converts the payment into U.S. dollars will be treated as ordinary income or loss. That currency exchange income or loss (if any) generally will be income or loss from U.S. sources for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.

        The amount of Canadian tax withheld, if any, generally will give rise to a foreign tax credit or deduction for U.S. federal income tax purposes (see "Certain Income Tax Considerations — Canada — Dividends"). Dividends paid by Descartes generally will constitute "passive category income" for purposes of the foreign tax credit (or in the case of certain U.S. holders, "general category income"). The Code, as modified by the Convention, applies various limitations on the amount of foreign tax credit that may be available to a U.S. holder. The Common Shares are currently traded on both the NASDAQ and TSX. Dividends paid by a foreign corporation that is at least 50% owned by U.S. persons may be treated as U.S. source income (rather than foreign source income) for foreign tax credit purposes to the extent they are

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attributable to earnings and profits of the foreign corporation from sources within the United States, if the foreign corporation has more than an insignificant amount of U.S. source earnings and profits. In part because Descartes does not expect to calculate its earnings and profits for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the effect of this rule may be to treat all or a portion of any dividends paid by Descartes as U.S. source income, which in turn may affect the calculation of a U.S. holder's foreign tax credit for the Canadian withholding taxes payable in respect of the dividends.

        Subject to limitations, the Code permits a U.S. holder entitled to benefits under the Convention to elect to treat any dividends paid by Descartes as foreign-source income for foreign tax credit purposes. The foreign tax credit rules are complex. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisers with respect to the implications of those rules for their investments in the Common Shares.

Sale, Exchange, Redemption or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Shares

        Subject to the discussion below under "Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules," the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares generally will result in the recognition of gain or loss to a U.S. holder in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized thereon and the U.S. holder's adjusted basis in the Common Shares as measured for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A U.S. holder's tax basis in a Common Share for such purposes will generally equal the price it paid for the Common Share. Any gain or loss recognized by a U.S. holder generally will be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder held the Common Shares for more than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules

        Special U.S. federal income tax rules apply to U.S. persons owning shares of a "passive foreign investment company" ("PFIC"). Descartes will be classified as a PFIC in a particular taxable year if either: (i) 75 percent or more of our gross income for the taxable year is passive income, or (ii) 50 percent or more of the value of our assets (determined on the basis of a quarterly average) during such year produce or are held for the production of passive income. If Descartes is treated as a PFIC for any year, U.S. holders may be subject to adverse tax consequences upon a sale, exchange, or other disposition of the Common Shares, or upon the receipt of certain "excess distributions" in respect of the Common Shares. Dividends paid by a PFIC are not qualified dividends eligible for taxation at preferential rates. We believe we should not be a PFIC with respect to the 2012 or 2013 taxable years and we do not anticipate becoming a PFIC for the 2014 taxable year. The tests for determining PFIC status are complex, and applied annually, however, and it is difficult to accurately predict future income and assets relevant to this determination. Accordingly, we cannot assure U.S. holders that we are not, or will not become a PFIC. If we determine that we are a PFIC, we will attempt to notify U.S. holders, although there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so in a timely and complete manner.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

        Except in the case of corporations or other exempt holders, dividends paid to a U.S. holder on Common Shares, and proceeds received by a U.S. holder from the sale or other taxable disposition of Common Shares, may be subject to U.S. information reporting requirements and may be subject to backup withholding unless the U.S. holder provides an accurate taxpayer identification number on a properly completed IRS Form W-9 and certifies that no loss of exemption from backup withholding has occurred, or is otherwise subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. The amount of any backup withholding will be allowed as a credit against the U.S. holder's U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle the U.S. holder to a refund, provided that certain required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

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        Certain U.S. holders holding specified foreign financial assets with an aggregate value in excess of the applicable dollar threshold are required to report information to the IRS relating to our Common Shares, subject to certain exceptions (including an exception for our Common Shares held in accounts maintained by U.S. financial institutions), by attaching a complete IRS Form 8938, Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets, with their tax return, for each year in which they hold our Common Shares. Such U.S. holders should consult their tax advisers regarding information reporting requirements relating to their ownership of our Common Shares.

        The preceding discussion is not tax advice. Each prospective investor should consult the prospective investor's own tax adviser regarding the particular U.S. federal, state and local and non-U.S. tax consequences of purchasing, holding and disposing of our Common Shares, including the consequences of any proposed change in applicable laws.

Canada

Eligibility for Investment

        On the date of issue, provided the Common Shares are listed at that time on a designated stock exchange (which includes the TSX), the Offered Shares will be qualified investments under the Income Tax Act (Canada) and the regulations thereunder (the "Tax Act") for a trust governed by a registered retirement savings plan ("RRSP"), a registered retirement income fund ("RRIF"), a registered education savings plan, a deferred profit sharing plan, a registered disability savings plan and a tax-free savings account ("TFSA").

        Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Common Shares are a "prohibited investment" for a particular TFSA, RRSP or RRIF, the holder of such TFSA or the annuitant of such RRSP or RRIF, as the case may be, will be subject to a penalty tax as set out in the Tax Act. The Common Shares will generally not be a prohibited investment for a TFSA, RRSP or RRIF provided the holder or annuitant thereof, as the case may be, (i) deals at arm's length with Descartes, for purposes of the Tax Act and (ii) does not have a "significant interest" (as defined in the Tax Act) in Descartes. Generally, a holder or annuitant will have a significant interest in Descartes if the holder or annuitant and/or persons or partnerships not dealing at arm's length with the holder or annuitant own directly or indirectly 10% or more of the issued shares of any class of the capital stock of Descartes or any corporation related to Descartes within the meaning of the Tax Act. In addition, Common Shares will generally not be a "prohibited investment" if the Common Shares are "excluded property" (as defined in the Tax Act) for trusts governed by a TFSA, RRSP or RRIF. Prospective purchasers who intend to hold Common Shares in a TFSA, RRSP or RRIF are advised to consult their personal tax advisors regarding the "prohibited investment" rules having regard to their own particular circumstances.

Non-Residents of Canada

        The following is a summary of the principal Canadian federal income tax considerations generally applicable to investors who acquire as beneficial owner Common Shares pursuant to this Offering and who at all relevant times for purposes of the Tax Act, are not and are not deemed to be resident in Canada, deal at arm's length with Descartes, are not affiliated with Descartes, hold the Common Shares as capital property and do not and will not use or hold, and are not and will not be deemed to use or hold, such Common Shares in carrying on a business in Canada (a "Non-Resident Shareholder"). Special rules, which are not discussed in this summary, may apply to a Non-Resident Shareholder that is an insurer carrying on an insurance business in Canada and elsewhere.

        This summary is based upon the facts set out in the Prospectus, the current provisions of the Tax Act and the current administrative policies and assessing practices of the Canada Revenue Agency ("CRA")

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made publicly available in writing prior to the date hereof. This summary also takes into account specific proposals to amend the Tax Act announced prior to the date hereof by or on behalf of the Minister of Finance (Canada) (the "Proposed Amendments") and assumes that the Proposed Amendments will be enacted as proposed. No assurances can be given that the Proposed Amendments will become law.

        This summary is not exhaustive of all possible federal income tax considerations and does not take into account or anticipate any changes in law, administrative policy or assessing practice, whether by legislative, governmental or judicial action, other than the Proposed Amendments. This summary does not deal with foreign, provincial or territorial income tax considerations, which may differ from the Canadian federal income tax considerations described below. This summary does not address the deductibility of interest on any funds borrowed by an investor to purchase Common Shares.

        This summary is of a general nature only and does not constitute legal or tax advice to any particular investor. Investors are advised to consult their own tax advisors with respect to their individual circumstances.

Disposition of Common Shares

        A Non-Resident Shareholder that disposes of Common Shares (other than to Descartes) generally will not be subject to tax under the Tax Act on any capital gain realized on a disposition or deemed disposition of Common Shares, unless the Common Share is or is deemed to be "taxable Canadian property" (as defined in the Tax Act) to the Non-Resident Shareholder at the time of disposition and the Non-Resident Shareholder is not entitled to relief under an applicable income tax convention or treaty between Canada and the country in which the Non-Resident Shareholder is resident.

        Generally, a particular Common Share owned by a Non-Resident Shareholder will not be taxable Canadian property of the Non-Resident Shareholder at a particular time provided that at no time during the 60-month period immediately preceding the date of disposition of such Common Share did the particular Common Share derive more than 50 percent of its value directly or indirectly from one or any combination of: (a) real or immovable property situated in Canada, (b) "timber resource property" (within the meaning of the Tax Act), (c) "Canadian resource property" (within the meaning of the Tax Act), or (d) options in respect of, or interests in, or for civil law rights in, any of the foregoing, whether or not the property exists. It is not expected that the Common Shares will be "taxable Canadian property" based on the foregoing. However, a Common Share owned by a Non-Resident Shareholder may be deemed to be taxable Canadian property to the Non-Resident Shareholder if such Common Share was acquired in certain types of tax deferred exchanges in consideration for property that was itself taxable Canadian property. Non-Resident Shareholders whose Common Shares may constitute taxable Canadian property should consult with their own tax advisors.

Dividends

        Dividends paid or credited or deemed to be paid or credited to a Non-Resident Shareholder on the Common Shares generally will be subject to Canadian withholding tax at the rate of 25%, subject to any applicable reduction in the rate of withholding under an applicable income tax convention or treaty between Canada and the country in which the Non-Resident Shareholder is resident.

        For example, under the Canada-U.S. Income Tax Convention (the "Convention"), where dividends on the Common Shares are considered to be paid or derived by a Non-Resident Shareholder that is the beneficial owner of the dividends and is a U.S. resident for the purposes of, and is entitled to benefits of, the Convention, the applicable rate of Canadian withholding tax is generally reduced to 15%.

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UNDERWRITING

        Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an underwriting agreement dated as of          , 2014 between us and the Underwriters named below, for whom Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Barclays Capital Inc. and GMP Securities L.P. are acting as representatives, we have agreed to sell, and the Underwriters have severally agreed to purchase on or about          , 2014, at a price of US$          per Offered Share, payable in cash to us against delivery, the number of Offered Shares indicated below:

NAME
  NUMBER OF SHARES  

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

                  

Barclays Capital Inc.

                  

GMP Securities L.P.

                  

Canaccord Genuity Corp.

                  

TD Securities Inc.

                  

William Blair & Company LLC

                  

Raymond James Ltd.

                  
       

Total

    9,500,000  
       
       

        The obligations of the Underwriters under the underwriting agreement are several and may be terminated at their discretion upon the occurrence of certain stated events. Such events include, but are not limited to (i) trading generally being suspended or materially limited on, or by, as the case may be, any of the New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ or the TSX, (ii) the suspension of trading of our securities on NASDAQ or the TSX, (iii) any material disruption in securities settlement, payment or clearance services in the United States or Canada, (iv) any moratorium on commercial banking activities declared by federal (U.S. or Canadian), Canadian provincial or New York State authorities, or (v) any outbreak or escalation of hostilities, or any change in financial markets, currency exchange rates or controls or any calamity or crisis. The Underwriters are, however, obligated to take up and pay for all of the Offered Shares if any of the Offered Shares are purchased under the underwriting agreement. However, the Underwriters are not required to take up or pay for the shares covered by the Underwriters' Over-Allotment Option. If an Underwriter defaults, the underwriting agreement provides that the purchase commitments of the non-defaulting Underwriters may be increased.

        The Offering is being made concurrently in the United States and in each of the provinces of Canada, except Quebec, pursuant to the U.S./Canada Multijurisdictional Disclosure System implemented by the securities regulatory authorities in the United States and Canada. The Offered Shares will be offered in the United States and Canada through the Underwriters either directly or through their respective U.S. or Canadian broker dealer affiliates or agents.

        The Underwriters are offering the Offered Shares subject to their acceptance of the shares from us and subject to prior sale. The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the several Underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the Offered Shares are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by their Canadian and U.S. counsel and to certain other conditions.

        The Underwriters initially propose to offer part of the Offered Shares directly to the public at the offering price listed on the cover page of this Prospectus Supplement and part to certain dealers at a price that represents a concession not in excess of US$            a share under the public offering price. After the initial offering of the Offered Shares, the offering price and other selling terms may from time to time be varied by the representatives. In all such cases, the compensation realized by the Underwriters will be decreased by the amount that the aggregate price paid by the purchasers for the Common Shares is less than the gross proceeds paid to us by the Underwriters. The offering of the Offered Shares by the

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Underwriters is subject to receipt and acceptance and subject to the Underwriters' right to reject any order in whole or in part.

        We have granted to the Underwriters the Over-Allotment Option. The Underwriters may exercise this option solely for the purpose of covering the Underwriter's over-allocation position, if any, made in connection with the Offering. To the extent the option is exercised, each Underwriter will become obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase about the same percentage of the Additional Shares as the number listed next to the Underwriter's name in the preceding table bears to the total number of Offered Shares listed next to the names of all Underwriters in the preceding table.

        The following table shows the per share and total public offering price, underwriting fee and proceeds before expenses to us. These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the Over-Allotment Option.

 
   
  Total  
 
  Per Share   No Exercise   Full Exercise  

Public Offering Price

                                                    

Underwriting Fee

                                                    

Proceeds, before expenses, to us

                                               
 

        The terms of the Offering, including the offering price for the Offered Shares, were determined through negotiations between us and the Underwriters.

        The estimated offering expenses payable by us, exclusive of the underwriting fee, are approximately US$0.7 million, which includes legal, accounting and printing costs and various other fees associated with the registration of the Offered Shares.

        We have applied to list the Offered Shares on the TSX. Listing will be subject to us fulfilling all the listing requirements of the TSX. We have also filed a listing of additional shares notification form with NASDAQ.

        We have established a special black-out period, covering the period of distribution of Common Shares under the Offering (including any Additional Shares), during which our directors and executive officers are unable to trade in any of our securities. We and all of our directors and executive officers have also agreed with Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Barclays Capital Inc., GMP Securities L.P. that we and they will not (subject to certain customary exceptions and excluding the SAR Shares to be held by Ms. Ratza (as described in "Summary — Recent Developments" in this Prospectus Supplement), during the period ending 90 days after the date of this Prospectus Supplement:

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        In particular, the restrictions described in the immediately preceding paragraph shall not apply to:

        provided that in the case of any transfer or distribution pursuant to the eighth, ninth and tenth bullets above, it shall be a condition of the transfer or distribution that each transferee, donee or distributee shall sign and deliver a copy of the lock-up agreement prior to or upon such transfer, such transfer shall not involve a disposition for value and no filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act or applicable Canadian securities laws reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of Common Shares shall be required or shall be made voluntarily during the restricted period. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, in its sole

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discretion, may release the Common Shares and other securities subject to the lock-up agreements described above in whole or in part at any time with or without notice.

        Subscriptions for Offered Shares will be received subject to rejection or allotment in whole or in part and the Underwriters reserve the right to close the subscription books at any time without notice. It is expected that the closing of the Offering will occur on or about            , 2014, or such other date as we and the Underwriters may agree, but in any event no later than             , 2014. The Offered Shares will be issued in the form of one or more global certificates registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, or its nominee. We refer to this form as "book-entry" settlement. DTC will keep a computerized record of its participants (for example, your broker) whose clients have purchased the Offered Shares. The participant will then keep a record of its clients who purchased the Offered Shares. A global security may not be transferred, except that DTC, its nominees and their successors may transfer an entire global security to one another. We will treat DTC's nominee as the owner of the Offered Shares for all purposes.

        Under book-entry settlement, we will not issue certificates to individual holders of the Offered shares. Beneficial interests in global securities will be shown on, and transfers of global securities will be made only through, records maintained by DTC and its participants, including CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc. If an individual holder wants to obtain a physical certificate, the individual holder would request the same through its broker/investment firm and the securities are withdrawn from the amount credited on Descartes' books and records to the nominee of DTC and re-registered into the investor's name, which in many cases, will cost the individual holder a fee.

        In order to facilitate this Offering, the Underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the Common Shares. Specifically, the Underwriters may sell more shares than they are obligated to purchase under the underwriting agreement, creating a short position. A short sale is covered if the short position is no greater than the number of shares available for purchase by the Underwriters under the Over-Allotment Option. The Underwriters can close out a covered short sale by exercising the Over-Allotment Option or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out a covered short sale, the Underwriters will consider, among other things, the open market price of shares compared to the price available under the underwriter's Over-Allotment Option. The Underwriters may also sell shares in excess of the Over-Allotment Option, creating a naked short position. The Underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the Underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the Common Shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this Offering. As an additional means of facilitating this offering, the Underwriters may bid for, and purchase, Common Shares in the open market to stabilize the price of the Common Shares. The Underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. Penalty bids permit the Underwriters to reclaim a selling concession form a syndicate member when the Underwriters repurchase shares originally sold by that syndicate member in order to cover short positions or make stabilizing purchases. These activities may raise or maintain the market price of the Common Shares above independent market levels or prevent or retard a decline in the market price of the Common Shares. The Underwriters are not required to engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time.

        The Underwriters may not, throughout the period of distribution, bid for or purchase our Common Shares. The foregoing restriction is subject to certain exemptions, as long as the bid or purchase is not engaged in for the purpose of creating actual or apparent active trading in, or raising the price of, the Common Shares. These exceptions include a bid or purchase permitted under the Universal Market Integrity Rules administered by the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada relating to market stabilization and passive market-making activities and a bid or purchase made for and on behalf of a customer where the order was not solicited during the period of distribution.

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        We, and the several Underwriters have agreed to indemnify each other against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act and applicable Canadian securities laws.

        The Prospectus Supplement in electronic format may be made available on websites maintained by one or more Underwriters, or selling group members, if any, participating in this Offering. The representatives may agree to allocate a number of Common Shares to Underwriters for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the representatives to Underwriters that may make Internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations.

        In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the Underwriters and their respective affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers and may at any time hold long and short positions in such securities and instruments. Such investment and securities activities may involve our securities and instruments (directly, as collateral securing other obligations or otherwise). The Underwriters and their respective affiliates may also make investment recommendations or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long or short positions in such securities and instruments.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the European Economic Area

        In relation to each member state of the European Economic Area that has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a relevant member state), with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that relevant member state (the relevant implementation date), an offer of Common Shares described in this Prospectus Supplement may not be made to the public in that relevant member state prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the Common Shares that has been approved by the competent authority in that relevant member state or, where appropriate, approved in another relevant member state and notified to the competent authority in that relevant member state, all in accordance with the Prospectus Directive, except that, with effect from and including the relevant implementation date, an offer of Common Shares may be offered to the public in that relevant member state at any time:

        provided that no such offer of Common Shares shall require the publication of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.

        Each purchaser of Common Shares described in this Prospectus Supplement located within a relevant member state will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed that it is a "qualified investor" within the meaning of Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive.

        For purposes of this provision, the expression an "offer of Common Shares to the public" in relation to the Common Shares in any relevant member state means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the Common Shares to be offered so as to

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enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the Common Shares, as the expression may be varied in that member state by any measure implementing the Prospective Directive in that member state, and the expression "Prospectus Directive" means Directive 2003/71/EC and amendments thereto including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in the relevant member state, and includes any relevant implementing measure in each relevant member state. "2010 PD Amending Directive" means Directive 2010/73/EU.

        The Company has not authorized and does not authorize the making of any offer of Common Shares through any financial intermediary on its behalf, other than offers made by the Underwriters with a view to the final placement of the Common Shares as contemplated in this Prospectus Supplement. Accordingly, no purchaser of the Common Shares, other than the Underwriters, is authorized to make any further offer of the Common Shares on behalf of the Company or the Underwriters.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom

        The Common Shares are being offered only in circumstances that comply and will comply with all applicable provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the "FSMA") with respect to anything done in relation to such offer in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom; and any invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the FSMA) will only be communicated or caused to be communicated in connection with the issue or sale of the Common Shares in circumstances in which section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to the Company. This Prospectus Supplement is only being distributed to, and is only directed at, persons in the United Kingdom that are qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive and Section 86(7) of FSMA, as amended, that are also (i) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order") or (ii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (each such person being referred to as a "relevant person"). This Prospectus Supplement and its contents are confidential and should not be distributed, published or reproduced (in whole or in part) or disclosed by recipients to any other persons in the United Kingdom. Any person in the United Kingdom that is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

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LEGAL MATTERS

        Certain legal matters in connection with the Common Shares offered hereby will be passed upon on behalf of us by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP with respect to matters of Canadian law and Bingham McCutchen LLP with respect to matters of U.S. law, and on behalf of the Underwriters by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP with respect to matters of Canadian law and by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP with respect to matters of U.S. law. Chris Hewat, a partner of Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, serves as a director of Descartes.


AUDITORS

        Deloitte LLP, as auditors of Descartes, has advised us that it is independent within the meaning of the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario and the rules and regulations of the SEC.


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

        As of the date hereof, the following documents filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") in the United States and filed with the securities commissions or similar authorities in each of the provinces of Canada are specifically incorporated by reference in the Base Shelf Prospectus for the purposes of the Offering and form an integral part of the Prospectus:

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        All documents of the type described in Section 11.1(1) of Form 44-101F1 — Short Form Prospectus to National Instrument 44-101 — Short Form Prospectus Distributions, if filed by us with the provincial securities commissions or similar authorities in Canada after the date of this Prospectus Supplement and prior to the termination of the distribution of the Offered Shares, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in the Base Shelf Prospectus for the purposes of the Offering. In addition, to the extent that any document or information incorporated by reference into the Base Shelf Prospectus for the purposes of the Offering is included in any report on Form 6-K, Form 40-F or Form 20-F (or any respective successor form) that is filed with or furnished to the SEC after the date of this Prospectus Supplement, such document or information shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this Prospectus Supplement forms a part. In addition, we may incorporate by reference into the Prospectus for the purposes of the Offering, or the registration statement of which the Prospectus Supplement forms a part, other information from documents that we will file with or furnish to the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and/or file with the securities commissions or similar authorities in each of the provinces of Canada on SEDAR, if and to the extent expressly provided therein.

        Any "template version" of any "marketing materials" (as such terms are defined in NI 41-101) filed after the date of this Prospectus Supplement and prior to the termination of the distribution of the Offered Shares is deemed to be incorporated by reference into the Base Shelf Prospectus for the purposes of the Offering.

        This Prospectus Supplement will be delivered, together with the accompanying Base Shelf Prospectus, to purchasers of the Offered Shares and will be deemed to be incorporated into the Base Shelf Prospectus for the purposes of securities legislation as of the date of this Prospectus Supplement, but only for the purposes of the Offering.

        Any statement contained herein, including any document (or part of a document) incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, shall be deemed to be modified or superseded, for purposes of the Offering, to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other currently or subsequently filed document (or part of a document) that is later dated and also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference into the Base Shelf Prospectus for the purposes of the Offering modifies or supersedes such statement. The modifying or superseding statement need not state that it has modified or superseded a prior statement or include any other information set forth in the document that it modifies or supersedes. The making of a modifying or superseding statement shall not be deemed an admission for any purposes that the modified or superseded statement, when made, constituted a misrepresentation, an untrue statement of a material fact or an omission to state a material fact that is required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances in which it was made. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of the Prospectus.

        Except for the documents specifically incorporated by reference into the Base Shelf Prospectus for purposes of the Offering, information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into the Base Shelf Prospectus and should not be considered to be a part of the Prospectus.


SERVICE OF PROCESS AND ENFORCEABILTY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

        We are a Canadian company. Some of our directors and executive officers live outside the United States. Some of the assets of our directors and executive officers and some of our assets are located outside the United States As a result, it may be difficult or impossible to serve process on us or on such persons in the United States or to obtain or enforce judgments obtained in U.S. courts or Canadian courts against them or us based on the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States. There is

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doubt as to whether Canadian courts would enforce the civil liability claims brought under U.S. federal securities laws in original actions and/or enforce claims for punitive damages.

        Dr. David Anderson, Mr. David I. Beatson, and Mr. John J. Walker, three of our directors, as well as Edward J. Ryan, the Chief Executive Officer and a director of Descartes, reside outside of Canada and each has appointed The Descartes Systems Group Inc., 120 Randall Drive, Waterloo, Ontario, N2V 1C6, as agent for service of process. Purchasers are advised that it may not be possible for investors to enforce judgments obtained in Canada against any person that resides outside of Canada, even if such person has appointed an agent for service of process.


WHERE TO FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-10 relating to the Common Shares and our other securities. This Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Base Shelf Prospectus, which constitutes a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information contained in the registration statement, certain items of which are contained in the exhibits to the registration statement as permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC. You should refer to the registration statement and the exhibits to the registration statement for further information.

        We file annual and quarterly financial information and material change reports, business acquisition reports and other material with the securities commission or similar regulatory authority in each of the provinces of Canada and with the SEC. Under the multi-jurisdictional disclosure system adopted by the United States, documents and other information that we file with the SEC may be prepared in accordance with the disclosure requirements of Canada, which are different from those of the United States. As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and our officers, directors and major shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. You may read and download any public document that we have filed with the securities commission or similar regulatory authority in each of the provinces of Canada on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. You may read and copy any document we have filed with the SEC at the SEC's public reference room in Washington D.C. and may also obtain copies of those documents from the public reference room of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, by paying a fee. Additionally, you may read and download the documents that we have filed on the Electronic Data-Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval website at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.


DOCUMENTS FILED AS PART OF THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT

        The following documents have been filed with the SEC as part of the registration statement of which this Prospectus Supplement forms a part: (i) the documents referred to under the heading "Documents Incorporated by Reference" in this Prospectus Supplement; (ii) the consent of Deloitte LLP; (iii) the powers of attorney from certain directors and officers of Descartes; and (iv) the Underwriting Agreement described under the heading "Underwriting" in this Prospectus Supplement.

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No securities regulatory authority has expressed an opinion about these securities and it is an offence to claim otherwise.

This short form prospectus has been filed under legislation in all provinces of Canada other than Quebec that permits certain information about these securities to be determined after this prospectus has become final and that permits the omission from this prospectus of that information. The legislation requires the delivery to purchasers of a prospectus supplement containing the omitted information within a specified period of time after agreeing to purchase any of these securities.

Information has been incorporated by reference in this prospectus from documents filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and with securities commissions or similar authorities in Canada. Copies of the documents incorporated herein by reference may be obtained on request without charge from the Corporate Secretary of The Descartes Systems Group Inc. at 120 Randall Drive, Waterloo, Ontario, N2V 1C6, telephone (519) 746-8110 and are also available electronically at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml or www.sedar.com.


SHORT FORM BASE SHELF PROSPECTUS

New Issue and/or Secondary Offering

 

April 16, 2014

LOGO

THE DESCARTES SYSTEMS GROUP INC.

US$250,000,000

Common Shares
Preferred Shares
Debt Securities
Subscription Receipts
Warrants
Units

The Descartes Systems Group Inc. ("Descartes", "we", "us", "our" or the "Company") may from time to time offer and issue the following securities: (i) common shares (the "Common Shares"); (ii) preferred shares (the "Preferred Shares"); (iii) senior or subordinated unsecured debt securities (collectively, the "Debt Securities"); (iv) subscription receipts (the "Subscription Receipts"); (v) warrants (the "Warrants"); and (vi) securities comprised of more than one of the Common Shares, Preferred Shares, Debt Securities, Subscription Receipts and/or Warrants offered together as a unit (the "Units"). The Common Shares, Preferred Shares, Debt Securities, Subscription Receipts, Warrants and Units (collectively, the "Securities") offered hereby may be offered separately or together, in separate series, in amounts, at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more shelf prospectus supplements (each a "Prospectus Supplement") to be incorporated by reference in this short form base shelf prospectus (the "Prospectus") for the purpose of such offering. Certain current or future holders of Common Shares ("Selling Securityholders") may also offer and sell Common Shares pursuant to this Prospectus.

All shelf information not included in this Prospectus will be contained in one or more Prospectus Supplements that will be delivered to purchasers together with this Prospectus. The aggregate initial offering price of Securities (or the United States dollar equivalent thereof at the time of issuance of any Securities that are denominated in another currency or currency unit) that may be sold pursuant to this Prospectus during the 25-month period that this Prospectus, including any amendments hereto, remains valid is limited to US$250,000,000.

The specific terms of the Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement and may include, where applicable: (A) in the case of Common Shares, (i) the person offering the shares (the Company and/or the Selling Securityholder(s)); (ii) the number of Common Shares offered; (iii) the offering price (in the event that the offering is a fixed price distribution); (iv) the manner of determining the offering price(s) (in the event that the offering is not a fixed price distribution); and (v) any other material specific terms; (B) in the case of Preferred Shares, (i) the offering price of the Preferred Shares (in the event that the offering is a fixed price distribution); (ii) the manner of determining the offering price(s) (in the event that the offering is not a fixed price distribution); (iii) the title and designation of number of shares of the series of Preferred Shares; (iv) the dividend rate or method of calculation, the payment dates for dividends and the place or places where the dividends will be paid, whether dividends will be cumulative or noncumulative, and, if cumulative, the dates from which dividends will begin to accumulate; (v) any conversion or exchange features or rights; (vi) whether the Preferred Shares will be subject to redemption and the redemption price and other terms and conditions relative to the


redemption rights; (vii) any liquidation rights; (viii) any sinking fund provisions; (ix) any voting rights; (x) whether the Preferred Shares will be issued in fully registered or "book-entry only" form; (xi) any other rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to the Preferred Shares; (xii) any risk factors associated with the Preferred Shares; (xiii) whether the Preferred Shares will be listed on any securities exchange; and (xiv) any other material specific terms; (C) in the case of Debt Securities, (i) the designation, aggregate principal amount and authorized denominations of such Debt Securities; (ii) the percentage of the principal amount at which such Debt Securities will be issued; (iii) the date or dates on which such Debt Securities will mature; (iv) the rate or rates per annum at which such Debt Securities will bear interest (if any), or the method of determination of such rates (if any); (v) the dates on which such interest will be payable and the record dates for such payments; (vi) the Trustee under the Trust Indenture pursuant to which the Debt Securities are to be issued; (vii) any redemption term or terms under which such Debt Securities may be defeased; (viii) whether such Debt Securities are to be issued in registered form, "book-entry only" form, bearer form or in the form of temporary or permanent global securities and the basis of exchange, transfer and ownership thereof; (ix) any exchange or conversion terms; (x) any sinking or purchase fund provisions; (xi) any risk factors associated with the Debt Securities; (xii) whether the Debt Securities will be listed on any securities exchange; and (xiii) any other material specific terms; (D) in the case of Subscription Receipts, (i) the number of Subscription Receipts; (ii) the price at which the Subscription Receipts will be offered and whether the price is payable in instalments; (iii) conditions to the exchange of Subscription Receipts for Securities or other securities and the consequences of such conditions not being satisfied; (iv) the procedures for the exchange of the Subscription Receipts for Securities or other securities; (v) the number of underlying Securities or other securities that may be exchanged upon exercise of each Subscription Receipt; (vi) the dates or periods during which the Subscription Receipts may be exchanged for Securities or other securities; (vii) whether the Subscription Receipts and underlying Securities or other securities will be listed on any securities exchange; (viii) whether the Subscription Receipts and underlying Securities or other securities will be issued in fully registered or "book-entry only" form; (ix) any other rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to the Subscription Receipts; (x) any risk factors associated with the Subscription Receipts and underlying Securities or other securities; and (xi) any other material specific terms; (E) in the case of Warrants, (i) the designation of the Warrants; (ii) the aggregate number of Warrants offered and the offering price; (iii) the quantity and terms of the Securities or other securities purchasable upon exercise of the Warrants, and procedures that will result in the adjustment of those numbers; (iv) the exercise price of the Warrants; (v) the dates or periods during which the Warrants are exercisable; (vi) any minimum or maximum amount of Warrants that may be exercised at any one time; (vii) whether such Warrants will be listed on any securities exchange; (viii) any terms, procedures and limitations relating to the transferability or exercise of the Warrants; (ix) whether the Warrants will be issued in fully registered or "book-entry only" form; (x) any other rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to the Warrants; (xi) any risk factors associated with the Warrants; and (xii) any other material specific terms; and (F) in the case of Units, (i) the designation and terms of the Units and of the Securities comprising the Units, including whether and under what circumstances those Securities may be held or transferred separately; (ii) any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the Units or of any Securities comprising the Units; (iii) whether the Units will be issued in fully registered or "book-entry only" form; (iv) any risk factors associated with the Units; (v) whether the Units and the Securities comprising the Units will be listed on any securities exchange; and (vi) any other material specific terms. A Prospectus Supplement may include specific variable terms pertaining to the Securities that are not within the alternatives and parameters described in this Prospectus.

This Prospectus does not qualify for issuance debt securities in respect of which the payment of principal and/or interest may be determined, in whole or in part, by reference to one or more underlying interests including, for example, an equity or debt security, a statistical measure of economic or financial performance including, but not limited to, any currency, consumer price or mortgage index, or the price or value of one or more commodities, indices or other items, or any other item or formula, or any combination or basket of the foregoing items. For greater certainty, this Prospectus may qualify for issuance debt securities, including debt securities convertible into other Securities, in respect of which the payment of principal and/or interest may be determined, in whole or in part, by reference to published rates of a central banking authority or one or more financial institutions, such as a prime rate or bankers' acceptance rate, or to recognized market benchmark interest rates.

The outstanding Common Shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") under the stock symbol "DSG" and listed on NASDAQ under the symbol "DSGX". On April 15 2014, the last reported sales price of our Common Shares on the TSX was C$14.97 per Common Share and on NASDAQ was US$13.67 per Common Share. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Preferred Shares, Debt Securities, Subscription Receipts, Warrants and Units will not be listed on any securities exchange. There is no market through which these Securities may be sold and purchasers may not be able to resell any Preferred Shares, Debt Securities, Subscription Receipts, Warrants or Units purchased under this Prospectus. This may affect the pricing of the securities in the secondary market, the transparency and availability of trading prices, the liquidity of the securities, and the


extent of issuer regulation. See "Risk Factors" as well as the "Risk Factors" section of the applicable Prospectus Supplement.

The Securities may be sold to or through underwriters or dealers purchasing as principals, by the Company or, in the case of Common Shares, by the Company and/or the Selling Securityholders or to one or more purchasers, directly pursuant to applicable statutory exemptions or through agents designated by the Company and/or the Selling Securityholders, as the case may be, from time to time. The Securities may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions at fixed prices or not at fixed prices, such as market prices prevailing at the time of sale, prices related to such prevailing market prices or prices to be negotiated with purchasers, which prices may vary as between purchasers and during the period of distribution of the Securities. See "Plan of Distribution". Each Prospectus Supplement will identify the person offering Securities (the Company and/or, in the case of Common Shares, the Selling Securityholders) and each underwriter, dealer or agent engaged in connection with the offering and sale of those Securities to which the Prospectus Supplement relates, and will also set forth the method of distribution and the terms of the offering of such Securities including the net proceeds to the Company or, in the case of Common Shares, to the Company and/or the Selling Securityholders, as the case may be, and, to the extent applicable, any fees, discounts or other compensation payable to the underwriters, dealers or agents. Unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement, the offerings are subject to approval of certain legal matters by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP and Bingham McCutchen LLP on behalf of the Company and/or the Selling Securityholders.

In connection with any offering of the Securities (unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement), the underwriters or agents may over-allot or effect transactions which stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the Securities offered at levels other than those which might otherwise prevail on the open market. These transactions may be commenced, interrupted or discontinued at any time. See "Plan of Distribution".

Descartes' head office and registered office is located at 120 Randall Drive, Waterloo, Ontario, N2V 1C6.

We are permitted, as a Canadian issuer, under the multi-jurisdictional disclosure system adopted by the United States ("U.S."), to prepare this Prospectus in accordance with Canadian disclosure requirements. You should be aware that such requirements are different from those of the U.S.

The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP"). Accordingly, the presentation of consolidated financial statements may vary in a material way from consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.

You should be aware that the acquisition of the Securities described herein may have tax consequences both in the U.S. and in Canada. Such tax consequences for investors who are residents in, or citizens of, the U.S. may not be described fully herein or in any applicable Prospectus Supplement. You should read the tax discussion in any applicable Prospectus Supplement; however, this Prospectus or any applicable Prospectus Supplement may not fully describe these tax consequences, and you should consult your tax adviser prior to making any investment in the Securities.

Your ability to enforce civil liabilities under U.S. federal securities laws may be affected adversely by the fact that the Company is incorporated under the laws of Canada, that some or all of our officers and directors may be residents of Canada, that some or all of the experts named in this Prospectus may be residents of Canada and that all or a substantial portion of our assets and the assets of such persons are located outside the U.S.

Dr. David Anderson, Mr. David I. Beatson, and Mr. John J. Walker, three of the Company's directors, as well as Edward J. Ryan, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, reside outside of Canada and each has appointed The Descartes Systems Group Inc., 120 Randall Drive, Waterloo, Ontario, N2V 1C6, as agent for service of process. Purchasers are advised that it may not be possible for investors to enforce judgments obtained in Canada against any person that resides outside of Canada, even if such person has appointed an agent for service of process.

No underwriter has been involved in the preparation of this Prospectus or performed any review of the contents of this Prospectus.

Since the terms of a series of Debt Securities may differ from the general information provided in this Prospectus, in all cases an investor should rely on the information in the applicable Prospectus Supplement where it differs from information in this Prospectus.

Except as noted, all dollar amounts are expressed in U.S. Dollars. All references to "US$" or "$" are to U.S. Dollars and all references to "C$" are to Canadian Dollars.



TABLE OF CONTENTS

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND STATEMENTS     1  

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

 

2

 

THE DESCARTES SYSTEMS GROUP INC. 

 

 

4

 

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS

 

 

4

 

DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL

 

 

4

 

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON SHARES

 

 

5

 

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED SHARES

 

 

5

 

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

 

 

5

 

DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RECEIPTS

 

 

6

 

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

 

 

6

 

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

 

 

7

 

EARNINGS COVERAGE RATIOS

 

 

7

 

TRADING PRICE AND VOLUME

 

 

7

 

CAPITALIZATION

 

 

7

 


 


 


 


 


 

PRIOR SALES

 

 

7

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

 

7

 

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

 

8

 

SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS

 

 

8

 

RISK FACTORS

 

 

9

 

CERTAIN INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

 

 

9

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

 

9

 

INTEREST OF EXPERTS

 

 

10

 

AUDITORS, TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

 

 

10

 

SERVICE OF PROCESS AND ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

 

 

10

 

WHERE TO FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

 

10

 


CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND STATEMENTS

                Certain statements made in this Prospectus contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). These forward-looking statements are presented for the purpose of assisting the Company's securityholders in understanding management's views regarding those future outcomes and may not be appropriate for other purposes. When used in this Prospectus, the words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "seek", "propose", "estimate", "expect", and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Specific forward-looking statements in this Prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference herein, include, but are not limited to: statements relating to business trends; the basis for any future growth and for our financial performance; the changing regulatory environment and its impact on our business; seasonality of our business; potential loss of recurring revenues; research and development and related expenditures; product and solution developments, enhancements and releases and the timing thereof; our building, development and consolidation of our network infrastructure; competition and changes in the competitive landscape; our management and protection of intellectual property and other proprietary rights; foreign sales and exchange rate fluctuations; cyclical or seasonal aspects of our business; our dividend policy; capital expenditures; potential legal proceedings; provisions of any Trust Indenture (as defined herein) or Debt Securities; and the creation and issuance of Preferred Shares.

                The forward-looking statements contained herein are based on certain assumptions including the following: global shipment volumes continuing to increase at levels consistent with the average growth rates of the global economy; countries continuing to implement and enforce existing and additional customs and security regulations relating to the provision of electronic information for imports and exports; our continued operation of a secure and reliable business network; the stability of general economic and market conditions, currency exchange rates, and interest rates; equity and debt markets continuing to provide us with access to capital; our continued ability to identify and source attractive and executable business combination opportunities; and our continued compliance with third party intellectual property rights. While management believes these assumptions to have been reasonable on the date of the forward-looking statements, they may prove to be inaccurate.

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                Inherent in the forward-looking statements are known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors beyond the Company's ability to control or predict, that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or developments in the Company's business or in its industry, to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance, achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of the risks and other factors, some of which are beyond Descartes' control, which could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements and information contained in this Prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference herein, include, but are not limited to: difficulties maintaining or growing acquired businesses; failure to identify certain risks in connection with investments in acquisitions and other business initiatives; general economic conditions may affect our results of operations and financial condition; our existing customers might cancel contracts with us, fail to renew contracts on their renewal dates, and/or fail to purchase additional services and products, or consolidated contracts with acquired companies; changes in the value of the U.S. dollar, as compared to the currencies of other countries where we transact business, could harm our operating results and financial conditions; system or network failures or information security breaches in connection with our services and products could reduce our sales, impair our reputations, increase costs or result in liability claims, and seriously harm our business; failure to attract and retain key personnel would adversely affect our ability to develop and effectively manage our business; changes in government filing requirements for global trade may adversely impact our business; disruptions in the movement of freight could negatively affect our revenues; we have a substantial accumulated deficit and a history of losses and may incur losses in the future; our Common Share price has in the past been volatile and may also be volatile in the future; the fact that the market for Securities may be volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to numerous factors; and there is currently no trading market for any Preferred Shares, Debt Securities, Subscription Receipts, Warrants or Units that may be offered pursuant to this Prospectus.

                This is not an exhaustive list of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements. Some of these and other factors are discussed in more detail in the section entitled "Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results" in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained in our 2014 Annual Report (as defined herein). Investors and others should carefully consider these and other factors and not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risk factors is included in the Company's public filings with provincial securities regulatory authorities which can be found on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval ("SEDAR") website at www.sedar.com and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") which can be found on the Electronic Data-Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval ("EDGAR") website at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.

                The forward-looking statements contained in this Prospectus represent the Company's views only as of the date such statements were made. Forward-looking statements contained in this Prospectus are based on management's plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions as at the time such statements were made and the assumptions related to these plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions may change. Although Descartes believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements were reasonable at the time such statements were made, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Descartes cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements and actual results or developments may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. While the Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause the Company's views to change, the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws.


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

                The following documents filed with the SEC in the U.S. and with the securities commissions or similar authorities in each of the provinces of Canada are specifically incorporated by reference into and form an integral part of this Prospectus:

2


                All documents of the Company of the type described in Section 11.1(1) of Form 44-101F1 — Short Form Prospectus to National Instrument 44-101 — Short Form Prospectus Distributions ("NI 44-101"), if filed by the Company with the provincial securities commissions or similar authorities in Canada after the date of this Prospectus and during the term of this Prospectus, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. In addition, to the extent that any document or information incorporated by reference into this Prospectus is included in any report on Form 6-K, Form 40-F or Form 20-F (or any respective successor form) that is filed with or furnished to the SEC after the date of this Prospectus, such document or information shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this Prospectus forms a part. In addition, the Company may incorporate by reference into this Prospectus, or the registration statement of which it forms a part, other information from documents that the Company will file with or furnish to the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, if and to the extent expressly provided therein.

                Any template version of any "marketing materials" (as such term is defined in NI 44-101) filed after the date of a Prospectus Supplement and before the termination of the distribution of the Securities offered pursuant to such Prospectus Supplement (together with this Prospectus) is deemed to be incorporated by reference in such Prospectus Supplement.

                A Prospectus Supplement containing the specific terms in respect of any Securities will be delivered, together with this Prospectus, to purchasers of such Securities and will be deemed to be incorporated into this Prospectus for the purposes of securities legislation as of the date of the Prospectus Supplement, but only for the purposes of the distribution of the Securities to which such Prospectus Supplement pertains.

                Any statement contained herein, including any document (or part of a document) incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, shall be deemed to be modified or superseded, for purposes of this Prospectus, to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other currently or subsequently filed document (or part of a document) that is later dated and also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. The modifying or superseding statement need not state that it has modified or superseded a prior statement or include any other information set forth in the document that it modifies or supersedes. The making of a modifying or superseding statement shall not be deemed an admission for any purposes that the modified or superseded statement, when made, constituted a misrepresentation, an untrue statement of a material fact or an omission to state a material fact that is required to be stated or that is necessary to make a statement not misleading in light of the circumstances in which it was made. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.

                Upon a new interim financial report and related management's discussion and analysis of the Company being filed with the applicable securities regulatory authorities during the currency of this Prospectus, the previous interim financial report and related management's discussion and analysis of the Company most recently filed shall be deemed no longer to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus for purposes of future offers and sales of Securities hereunder. Upon new annual financial statements and related management's discussion and analysis of the Company being filed with the applicable securities regulatory authorities during the currency of this Prospectus, the previous annual financial statements and related management's discussion and analysis of the Company and the previous interim financial report and related management's discussion and analysis of the Company most recently filed shall be deemed no longer to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus for purposes of future offers and sales of Securities hereunder. Upon a new annual information form of the Company being filed with the applicable securities regulatory authorities during the currency of this Prospectus, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the following documents shall be deemed no longer to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus for purposes of future offers and sales of Securities hereunder: (i) the previous annual information form; (ii) material change reports filed by the Company prior to the end of the financial year in respect of which the new annual information form is filed; (iii) business acquisition reports filed by the Company for acquisitions completed prior to the beginning of the

3


financial year in respect of which the new annual information form is filed; and (iv) any information circular of the Company filed prior to the beginning of the Company's financial year in respect of which the new annual information form is filed. Upon a new management information circular prepared in connection with an annual general meeting of the Company being filed with the applicable securities regulatory authorities during the currency of this Prospectus, the previous management information circular prepared in connection with an annual general meeting of the Company shall be deemed no longer to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus for purposes of future offers and sales of Securities hereunder.


THE DESCARTES SYSTEMS GROUP INC.

                Descartes was continued under the Canada Business Corporations Act on July 5, 2006. On July 31, 2006, Descartes was amalgamated under the Canada Business Corporations Act pursuant to an amalgamation between Descartes and ViaSafe Inc. ("ViaSafe"). On February 1, 2010, Descartes was amalgamated under the Canada Business Corporations Act pursuant to an amalgamation between Descartes and Scancode Systems Inc. ("Scancode"). On February 1, 2010, Descartes was amalgamated under the Canada Business Corporations Act pursuant to an amalgamation between Descartes and 7322267 Canada Inc. On February 1, 2012, Descartes was amalgamated under the Canada Business Corporations Act pursuant to an amalgamation between Descartes and 882976 Ontario Inc.

                We beneficially own, control and/or direct 100% of all voting, share or membership interests in our material subsidiaries. Our material subsidiaries, determined as at January 31, 2014, are as follows:

                The Descartes Systems Group Inc. head office and registered office is located at
120 Randall Drive, Waterloo, Ontario, N2V 1C6 and our general corporate phone number
is (519) 746-8110.


SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS

                We use technology and networks to simplify complex business processes. We are currently primarily focused on logistics and supply chain management business processes. Our solutions are predominantly cloud-based and are focused on improving the productivity, performance and security of logistics-intensive businesses. Customers use our modular, software-as-a-service solutions to route, schedule, track and measure delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete numerous other logistics processes by participating in a large, collaborative multi-modal logistics community. Our pricing model provides our customers with flexibility in purchasing our solutions either on a perpetual license, subscription or transactional basis. Our primary focus is on serving transportation providers (air, ocean and truck modes), logistics service providers (including third-party logistics providers, freight forwarders and customs brokers) and distribution-intensive companies where delivery is either a key or a defining part of their own product or service offering, or where there is an opportunity to reduce costs and improve service levels by optimizing the use of their assets.


DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL

                The Company's authorized share capital consists of an unlimited number of Common Shares. As of the date of this Prospectus, 63,672,203 Common Shares have been issued and are outstanding.

4



DESCRIPTION OF COMMON SHARES

                Each Common Share entitles the holder to: (i) one vote at all meetings of shareholders (except meetings at which only holders of a specified class of shares are entitled to vote), (ii) to receive, subject to the holders of another class of shares, any dividend declared by Descartes; and (iii) to receive, subject to the rights of the holders of another class of shares, the remaining property of Descartes on the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Descartes, whether voluntary or involuntary. Any Prospectus Supplement for Common Shares will set forth the terms and other information with respect to the Common Shares being offered thereby, including: (i) the person offering the shares (the Company and/or the Selling Securityholder(s)); (ii) the number of Common Shares offered; (iii) the offering price (in the event that the offering is a fixed price distribution); (iv) the manner of determining the offering price(s) (in the event that the offering is not a fixed price distribution); and (v) any other material specific terms.


DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED SHARES

                As of the date of this Prospectus, the Company is not authorized to issue Preferred Shares in the capital of the Company and, as such, there are no Preferred Shares of the Company issued and outstanding. Any issuance of Preferred Shares by the Company would require an amendment to the Company's then-current constating documents, which amendment would require shareholder approval. In the event that such shareholder approval was obtained, the constating documents were amended by the Company's board of directors and the board of directors determined that the offering of Preferred Shares was in the best interests of the Company, the applicable Prospectus Supplement in connection with such offering will set forth the material attributes and characteristics of the Preferred Shares, as well as: (i) the offering price of the Preferred Shares (in the event that the offering is a fixed price distribution); (ii) the manner of determining the offering price(s) (in the event that the offering is not a fixed price distribution); (iii) the title and designation of number of shares of the series of Preferred Shares; (iv) the dividend rate or method of calculation, the payment dates for dividends and the place or places where the dividends will be paid, whether dividends will be cumulative or noncumulative, and, if cumulative, the dates from which dividends will begin to accumulate; (v) any conversion or exchange features or rights; (vi) whether the Preferred Shares will be subject to redemption and the redemption price and other terms and conditions relative to the redemption rights; (vii) any liquidation rights; (viii) any sinking fund provisions; (ix) any voting rights; (x) whether the Preferred Shares will be issued in fully registered or "book-entry only" form; (xi) any other rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to the Preferred Shares; (xii) any risk factors associated with the Preferred Shares; (xiii) whether the Preferred Shares will be listed on any securities exchange; and (xiv) any other material specific terms.


DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

                The following sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the Debt Securities. The particular terms and provisions of Debt Securities offered pursuant to a Prospectus Supplement, and the extent to which the general terms and provisions described below may apply to such Debt Securities, will be described in such Prospectus Supplement. The following description and any description of Debt Securities in the applicable Prospectus Supplement does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable indenture and, if applicable, collateral arrangements relating to such Debt Securities.

                The Debt Securities will be direct unsecured obligations of the Company. The Debt Securities will be senior or subordinated indebtedness of the Company as described in the relevant Prospectus Supplement. The senior Debt Securities will rank equal in right of payment to all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. The subordinated Debt Securities will be subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of the senior Debt Securities and all other senior indebtedness of the Company.

                The Debt Securities will be issued under one or more indentures between the Company and a financial institution to which the Trust and Loan Companies Act (Canada) applies or a financial institution organized under the laws of any province of Canada and authorized to carry on business as a trustee and one or more other trustees or co-trustees (each, a "Trustee"), as supplemented and amended from time to time (each a "Trust Indenture" and, collectively, the "Trust Indentures"). The statements made hereunder relating to any Trust Indenture and the Debt Securities to be issued thereunder are summaries of certain anticipated provisions thereof and do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all provisions of the applicable Trust Indenture.

5


                Any Prospectus Supplement for Debt Securities will set forth the terms and other information with respect to the Debt Securities being offered thereby, including: (i) the designation, aggregate principal amount and authorized denominations of such Debt Securities; (ii) the percentage of the principal amount at which such Debt Securities will be issued; (iii) the date or dates on which such Debt Securities will mature; (iv) the rate or rates per annum at which such Debt Securities will bear interest (if any), or the method of determination of such rates (if any); (v) the dates on which such interest will be payable and the record dates for such payments; (vi) the Trustee under the Trust Indenture pursuant to which the Debt Securities are to be issued; (vii) any redemption term or terms under which such Debt Securities may be defeased; (viii) whether such Debt Securities are to be issued in registered form, "book-entry only" form, bearer form or in the form of temporary or permanent global securities and the basis of exchange, transfer and ownership thereof; (ix) any exchange or conversion terms; (x) any sinking or purchase fund provisions; (xi) any risk factors associated with the Debt Securities; (xii) whether the Debt Securities will be listed on any securities exchange; and (xii) any other material specific terms.


DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RECEIPTS

                The following sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the Subscription Receipts. The Company may issue Subscription Receipts that may be exchanged by the holders thereof for Securities or other securities upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. The particular terms and provisions of the Subscription Receipts offered pursuant to a Prospectus Supplement, and the extent to which the general terms described below apply to those Subscription Receipts, will be described in such Prospectus Supplement. The following description and any description of Subscription Receipts in the applicable Prospectus Supplement does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable subscription receipt agreement and, if applicable, collateral arrangements and depositary arrangements relating to such Subscription Receipts.

                The Subscription Receipts will be issued under one or more subscription receipt agreements.

                Any Prospectus Supplement for Subscription Receipts will contain the terms and conditions and other information with respect to the Subscription Receipts being offered thereby, including: (i) the number of Subscription Receipts; (ii) the price at which the Subscription Receipts will be offered and whether the price is payable in instalments; (iii) conditions to the exchange of Subscription Receipts for Securities or other securities and the consequences of such conditions not being satisfied; (iv) the procedures for the exchange of the Subscription Receipts for Securities or other securities; (v) the number of underlying Securities or other securities that may be exchanged upon exercise of each Subscription Receipt; (vi) the dates or periods during which the Subscription Receipts may be exchanged for Securities or other securities; (vii) whether the Subscription Receipts and underlying Securities or other securities will be listed on any securities exchange; (viii) whether the Subscription Receipts and underlying Securities or other securities will be issued in fully registered or "book-entry only" form; (ix) any other rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to the Subscription Receipts; (x) any risk factors associated with the Subscription Receipts and underlying Securities or other securities; and (xi) any other material specific terms.


DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

                The following sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the Warrants. The particular terms and provisions of the Warrants offered pursuant to a Prospectus Supplement, and the extent to which the general terms described below apply to those Warrants, will be described in such Prospectus Supplement. The following description and any description of Warrants in the applicable Prospectus Supplement does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable warrant agreement and, if applicable, collateral arrangements and depositary arrangements relating to such Warrants.

                The Company may issue Warrants for the purchase of Debt Securities, Preferred Shares or Common Shares or other securities of the Company. Warrants will be issued under one or more warrant agreements between the Company and a warrant agent that the Company will name in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.

                Any Prospectus Supplement for Warrants will contain the terms and other information with respect to the Warrants being offered thereby, including: (i) the designation of the Warrants; (ii) the aggregate number of Warrants offered and the offering price; (iii) the quantity and terms of the Securities or other securities purchasable upon exercise of the Warrants, and procedures that will result in the adjustment of those numbers; (iv) the exercise price of the Warrants; (v) the dates or periods during which the Warrants are exercisable; (vi) any minimum or maximum amount of Warrants that may be exercised at any one time; (vii) whether such Warrants will be listed on any securities

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exchange; (viii) any terms, procedures and limitations relating to the transferability or exercise of the Warrants; (ix) whether the Warrants will be issued in fully registered or "book-entry only" form; (x) any other rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to the Warrants; (xi) any risk factors associated with the Warrants; and (xii) any other material specific terms.


DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

                The following sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the Units. The particular terms and provisions of the Units offered pursuant to a Prospectus Supplement, and the extent to which the general terms described below apply to those Units, will be described in such Prospectus Supplement. The following description and any description of Units in the applicable Prospectus Supplement does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to any agreement, collateral arrangements and depositary arrangements relating to such Units.

                The Company may issue Units comprised of more than one of the other Securities described in this Prospectus in any combination. Each Unit will be issued so that the holder of the Unit is also the holder of each Security included in the Unit. Thus, the holder of a Unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included Security. The unit agreement under which a Unit is issued may provide that the Securities included in the Unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date.

                Any Prospectus Supplement for Units will contain the terms and other information with respect to the Units being offered thereby, including: (i) the designation and terms of the Units and of the Securities comprising the Units, including whether and under what circumstances those Securities may be held or transferred separately; (ii) any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the Units or of any Securities comprising the Units; (iii) whether the Units will be issued in fully registered or "book-entry only" form; (iv) any risk factors associated with the Units; (v) whether the units and the Securities comprising the Units will be listed on any securities exchange; and (vi) any other material specific terms.


EARNINGS COVERAGE RATIOS

                Earnings coverage ratios will be provided as required in the Prospectus Supplement with respect to the issuance of Securities pursuant to such Prospectus Supplement.


TRADING PRICE AND VOLUME

                Trading prices and volume of our Securities will be provided, as required, in each Prospectus Supplement to this Prospectus.


CAPITALIZATION

                There have been no material changes in the Company's share or loan capital on a consolidated basis since January 31, 2014, being the date on which the Company's most recently completed financial year ended.


PRIOR SALES

                Prior sales of our Securities will be provided as required in a Prospectus Supplement with respect to the issuance of Securities pursuant to such Prospectus Supplement.


USE OF PROCEEDS

                The use of proceeds of the sale of each issuance of Securities will be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the specific issuance of Securities. The Company will not receive any proceeds from any sale of Common Shares by the Selling Securityholders.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

                The Securities offered hereby may be sold (i) to or through underwriters or dealers purchasing as principals, (ii) directly to one or more purchasers pursuant to applicable statutory exemptions, or (iii) through agents designated by the Company and/or the Selling Securityholders, as the case may be, from time to time The Securities may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions at fixed prices or not at fixed prices, such as market prices prevailing at the time of sale, prices related to such prevailing market prices or prices to be negotiated with purchasers, which prices may vary as between purchasers and during the period of distribution of the Securities. The Prospectus Supplement for any of the Securities being offered thereby will identify the person offering Securities (the Company and/or, in the case of Common Shares, the Selling Securityholders) and will set forth the method of distribution and the terms of the offering of such Securities, including the type of Security being offered, the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, the purchase price of such Securities, the proceeds to, and the portion of expenses borne by, the Company and/or the Selling Securityholders, as applicable, from such sale, any underwriting discounts and other items constituting underwriters' compensation, any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers. Only underwriters so named in the Prospectus Supplement are deemed to be underwriters in connection with the Securities offered thereby.

                If underwriters are used in the sale, the Securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale or at prices related to such prevailing market prices. The obligations of the underwriters to purchase such Securities will be subject to certain conditions precedent, and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the Securities offered by the Prospectus Supplement if any of such Securities are purchased. Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to underwriters, dealers or agents may be changed from time to time.

                The Securities may also be sold (i) directly by the Company and/or, in the case of Common Shares, the Selling Securityholders at such prices and upon such terms as agreed to by the Company and/or the Selling Securityholders, as applicable, and the purchaser or (ii) through agents designated by the Company and/or the Selling Securityholders from time to time. Any agent involved in the offering and sale of the Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is delivered will be named, and any commissions payable by the Company and/or the Selling Securityholders, as applicable, to such agent will be set forth, in the Prospectus Supplement. Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, any agent is acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.

                The Company and/or the Selling Securityholders, as applicable, may agree to pay the underwriters a commission for various services relating to the issue and sale of any Securities offered hereby. Any such commission payable by the Company will be paid out of the general corporate funds of the Company. Underwriters, dealers and agents who participate in the distribution of the Securities may be entitled under agreements to be entered into with the Company and/or the Selling Securityholders to indemnification by the Company and/or the Selling Securityholders, as applicable, against certain liabilities, including liabilities under securities legislation, or to contribution with respect to payments which such underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make in respect thereof.

                In connection with any offering of the Securities (unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement), the underwriters or agents may over-allot or effect transactions which stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the Securities offered at levels other than those which might otherwise prevail on the open market. These transactions may be commenced, interrupted or discontinued at any time.


SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS

                Common Shares may be sold under this Prospectus by way of secondary offering by Selling Securityholders. The Prospectus Supplement for or including any offering of Common Shares by Selling Securityholders will include the following information, to the extent required by applicable securities laws:

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RISK FACTORS

                Prospective investors in a particular offering of the Securities should carefully consider, in addition to information contained in the Prospectus Supplement relating to that offering and the information incorporated by reference herein for the purposes of that offering, the risk factor listed below and risks described in the documents incorporated by reference in the Prospectus as supplemented by the Prospectus Supplement relating to that offering, including the Company's then-current annual information form, as well as the Company's then-current annual management's discussion and analysis and interim management's discussion and analysis, if applicable, to the extent incorporated by reference herein for the purposes of that particular offering of Securities.

No Market for the Securities

                There is currently no trading market for any Preferred Shares, Debt Securities, Subscription Receipts, Warrants or Units that may be offered. No assurance can be given that an active or liquid trading market for these securities will develop or be sustained. If an active or liquid market for these securities fails to develop or be sustained, the prices at which these securities trade may be adversely affected. Whether or not these securities will trade at lower prices depends on many factors, including liquidity of these securities, prevailing interest rates and the markets for similar securities, the market price of the Company's other securities, general economic conditions and the Company's financial condition, historic financial performance and future prospects.


CERTAIN INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

                The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe certain material Canadian federal income tax consequences to an investor who is a resident of Canada or who is a non-resident of Canada of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of any Securities offered thereunder, including whether the payment of dividends will be subject to Canadian non-resident withholding tax.

                The applicable Prospectus Supplement will also describe certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of any Securities offered thereunder by an initial investor who is a U.S. person (within the meaning of the United States Internal Revenue Code).


LEGAL MATTERS

                Unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement, certain legal matters in connection with the Securities offered hereby will be passed upon by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP with respect to matters of Canadian law and Bingham McCutchen LLP with respect to matters of U.S. law, in each case on behalf of the Company and/or the Selling Securityholders.

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INTEREST OF EXPERTS

                Deloitte LLP, as auditors of the Company, has advised the Company that it is independent within the meaning of the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario.


AUDITORS, TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

                The Company's external auditors are Deloitte LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, of Toronto, Ontario located at Brookfield Place, 181 Bay Street, Suite 1400, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 2V1.

                The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Shares is Computershare Investor Services Inc. located at its principal offices in Toronto, Ontario.


SERVICE OF PROCESS AND ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

                We are a Canadian company. Some of our directors and executive officers live outside the United States. Some of the assets of our directors and executive officers and some of our assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible to serve process on us or on such persons in the United States or to obtain or enforce judgments obtained in U.S. courts or Canadian courts against them or us based on the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States. There is doubt as to whether Canadian courts would enforce the civil liability claims brought under U.S. federal securities laws in original actions and/or enforce claims for punitive damages.


WHERE TO FIND MORE INFORMATION

                We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-10 relating to the Securities. This Prospectus, which constitutes a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information contained in the registration statement, certain items of which are contained in the exhibits to the registration statement as permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC. Statements included or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus about the contents of any contract, agreement or other documents referred to are not necessarily complete, and in each instance, you should refer to the exhibits for a complete description of the matter involved. Each time we sell Securities under the registration statement, we will provide a Prospectus Supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The Prospectus Supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this Prospectus.

                We file annual and quarterly financial information and material change reports, business acquisition reports and other material with the securities commission or similar regulatory authority in each of the provinces and territories of Canada and with the SEC. Under the multi-jurisdictional disclosure system adopted by the U.S., documents and other information that we file with the SEC may be prepared in accordance with the disclosure requirements of Canada, which are different from those of the U.S. You may read and download any public document that we have filed with the securities commission or similar regulatory authority in each of the provinces of Canada on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. You may read and copy any document we have filed with the SEC at the SEC's public reference room in Washington D.C. and may also obtain copies of those documents from the public reference room of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549 by paying a fee. Additionally, you may read and download some of the documents that we have filed on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND STATEMENTS
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
SUMMARY
The Descartes Systems Group Inc.
Recent Developments
Corporate Information
The Offering
Summary Consolidated Financial Data
Baseline Calibration
RISK FACTORS
USE OF PROCEEDS
CONSOLIDATED CAPITALIZATION
TRADING PRICE AND VOLUME
PRIOR SALES
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SERVICE OF PROCESS AND ENFORCEABILTY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
WHERE TO FIND MORE INFORMATION
DOCUMENTS FILED AS PART OF THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHORT FORM BASE SHELF PROSPECTUS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND STATEMENTS
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
THE DESCARTES SYSTEMS GROUP INC.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON SHARES
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED SHARES
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RECEIPTS
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS
EARNINGS COVERAGE RATIOS
TRADING PRICE AND VOLUME
CAPITALIZATION
PRIOR SALES
USE OF PROCEEDS
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CERTAIN INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
LEGAL MATTERS
INTEREST OF EXPERTS
AUDITORS, TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
SERVICE OF PROCESS AND ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
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