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Tag: acquisition

Williams Shipping Expands in Scotland with Acquisition and New Site

Posted on by Will Priestman

Southampton-based logistics and maritime services specialist Williams Shipping has strengthened its presence in Scotland with the acquisition of GIF Transport and Logistics and the purchase of land in Dyce, Aberdeen, earmarked for further expansion. The move builds on an already strong working relationship between the two companies, with GIF set to continue trading under its existing brand and management to ensure uninterrupted service for customers.

Williams Shipping Logistics Managing Director Jonathan Williams said the partnership was founded on shared values and a mutual commitment to delivering first-class service. GIF director Brian Pirie echoed the sentiment, noting that the collaboration would allow both companies to build on their strong reputations and offer greater value to customers across the UK logistics market.

The Dyce site will become GIF’s new headquarters and will also house Williams Marine Lubricants and the company’s specialist container division, Willbox. The location is set to play a key role in the group’s operations in the north, with phased development already under way and full operations expected to commence later this year.

For the UK logistics sector, this acquisition and expansion represent a significant strengthening of Williams Shipping’s network. By integrating transport, marine lubricants and container solutions under one hub, the company is set to enhance efficiency, improve customer service, and increase its agility in serving both regional and national markets.

Global Logistics Shake-Up: Pentagon Joins JAS

Posted on by Will Priestman

Pentagon Freight Services has announced it is joining global logistics giant JAS Worldwide, marking a major milestone in the company’s 50-year journey as a specialist freight forwarder. The acquisition represents a strategic step forward for both organisations and is set to strengthen JAS’s capabilities across key industry verticals.

A New Chapter for Pentagon

The announcement, shared by Pentagon on 1 August 2025, confirms that the two companies have signed a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA). The transaction is expected to close later this year, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions.

For Pentagon, which operates more than 65 offices and employs over 1,200 staff globally, this move signals a new phase of growth. Known for its expertise in logistics solutions for the energy sector and beyond, Pentagon brings extensive experience in handling complex, project-based freight across demanding environments.

Strategic Alignment with JAS

Pentagon highlighted that the decision to join JAS was driven by shared values and a strong cultural fit. The company described JAS as an organisation with “a clear and ambitious growth strategy, coupled with a highly complementary global network.” The acquisition is expected to provide expanded opportunities for both employees and customers.

In the official statement, Pentagon noted:

“This exciting development will allow us to further enhance our service offerings, broaden our global reach, and provide our clients with even more innovative and efficient logistics solutions.”

Focus on Continuity and Opportunity

The leadership at Pentagon reassured staff and customers that it will remain “business as usual” in the short term, with no immediate changes to operations or service levels. The company also emphasized its commitment to continuity, while looking ahead to the long-term advantages that the integration will bring.

Pentagon concluded the announcement by thanking its team, customers, and partners for their continued support and said it was “excited for the journey ahead.”

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InPost Acquire Delivery Company Yodel

Posted on by David Priestman

European e-commerce logistics provider InPost has announced its acquisition of parcel delivery company Yodel, aiming to accelerate its expansion in the UK market.

InPost stated that the acquisition will unify out-of-home and doorstep delivery solutions under a single brand, enhancing its operational scale, broadening its service offering, and delivering greater convenience for both retailers and customers.

As part of the deal, InPost has acquired 95.5% of the share capital of Judge Logistics Ltd (JLL), the parent company of Yodel Delivery Network. PayPoint will retain a minority stake of 4.5%.

Following the transaction, InPost UK’s market share has grown to around 8%, positioning it as the third-largest agnostic e-commerce logistics carrier in the country. This move builds on InPost’s previous acquisition of Menzies Distribution in October 2024, which granted it full control over its logistics operations in the UK.

Rafał Brzoska, founder and CEO of InPost Group, described the deal as a major milestone in the company’s strategy to transform the UK delivery landscape and strengthen its pan-European presence. He noted that the acquisition accelerates what would have taken five years of organic growth and underlines the company’s long-term commitment to the UK, a market with significant growth potential.

Neil Kuschel, CEO of InPost UK, called the acquisition a transformative step for the company’s UK operations. He highlighted the integration of doorstep deliveries with InPost’s extensive locker network as a key advantage that will allow the company to offer increased reliability, flexibility, and efficiency to customers and e-commerce retailers. “By combining Yodel’s trusted to-door service with our market-leading out-of-home offering, we are creating a carrier that genuinely responds to how people want to send and receive parcels in today’s fast-paced, convenience-focused world,” Kuschel said.

With this acquisition, InPost aims to realize several strategic objectives. It anticipates rapid growth in the UK, delivering over 300 million parcels annually and serving more than 500 e-commerce merchants. The company’s market share has already reached approximately 8%, supported by 10,000 automated parcel machines and over 18,000 out-of-home delivery points.

The acquisition enables InPost to offer a unique and comprehensive service, combining next-day home delivery with a vast out-of-home network under one brand. It also diversifies InPost’s business both geographically and by customer segment, with the UK now contributing around 30% of the Group’s total revenue. From a financial standpoint, the deal is seen as a strategically sound investment, significantly boosting InPost’s presence and long-term growth in the UK market.

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SG Holdings Snaps Up Morrison Express

Posted on by David Priestman

SG Holdings, a leading Japanese logistics company, today announced its acquisition of Morrison Express, a global freight forwarding and logistics service provider renowned for its expertise in semiconductor and high-tech logistics. This strategic acquisition will enhance the capabilities of the SG Holdings Group, significantly expanding on its Asian market presence and strengthening its position as a global leader in specialized logistics services.

The acquisition brings together Morrison Express’s strong competitiveness in the technology sector, particularly in semiconductors and high-tech products, with the SG Holdings’ extensive logistics network and innovative supply chain solutions. Particularly in relation to the freight forwarding business, Morrison Express’ strength in air freight and high-tech verticals will be complementary with the ocean freight forwarding and commercial verticals (apparel and daily sundries) in which EFL Global, the Group’s core freight forwarding company, has its strengths. This complementary partnership, characterized by minimal overlap, creates a powerful synergy that will deliver enhanced value to customers across the globe.

“The acquisition will significantly enhance global network coverage, allowing the SG Holdings Group to provide better logistics solutions across different regions.” said Mr. Bokuto Yamauchi, the head of Global Strategy Department – SG Holdings and Chairman and CEO of the Expolanka Group. “Morrison Express’ established relationships within the technology sector and strong Asian market presence, combined with their expertise in semiconductor logistics, perfectly complements our existing capabilities and forward-thinking approach to supply chain management.”

The merger delivers immediate value to customers through enhanced operational efficiencies, powered by access to new resources, cutting-edge technology, and expanded infrastructure – all working in concert to provide faster, more reliable service. With an expanded geographic reach, the combined entity offers closer proximity to customers, ensuring more responsive support and service delivery. Customers will benefit from comprehensive end-to-end supply chain solutions spanning air, ocean, rail, and road freight, complemented by tailored solutions that leverage Morrison’s strong supplier and partner relationships in the technology sector.

This strategic merger reinforces the combined organization’s dedication to delivering high standards and innovative solutions across all service offerings. Through shared expertise and resources, the integration positions the company to stay ahead of evolving industry trends and exceed customer expectations in an increasingly dynamic global market.

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DHL Acquires Inmar Supply Chain Solutions

Posted on by David Priestman

DHL Supply Chain has announced the acquisition of Inmar Supply Chain Solutions, a division of Inmar Intelligence and a leading returns solutions provider for the retail e-commerce industry. The strategic acquisition will make DHL Supply Chain the largest provider of reverse logistics solutions in North America.

The acquisition will result in 14 return centers and around 800 associates joining the DHL Supply Chain business expanding the company’s North American footprint which currently stands at over 520 warehouses supported by 52,000 associates. Additionally, DHL Supply Chain will now strengthen its returns capabilities to include product remarketing, recall management, and supply chain performance analytics. Inmar Intelligence will retain its pharmaceutical reverse distribution business.

In the light of a rapidly growing e-commerce market and changing consumer behavior, returns are an increasingly important touchpoint for retail customers, both in store and online. These solutions will expand the value-added services available to DHL customers and create a more strategic delivery of holistic solutions for their most complex supply chain needs.

“DHL Supply Chain’s market-leading logistics expertise and the addition of Inmar’s suite of returns services and its talented workforce will enable us to provide best-in-class logistics services to our industry customers. Together, we will create a returns business in North America that is unmatched in its depth, breadth, capabilities, and talent to fuel long-term growth,” said Oscar de Bok, Global CEO of DHL Supply Chain.

“As companies strive to simplify their supply chain strategies and enhance their operational agility, DHL Supply Chain continues to innovate to provide comprehensive and integrated solutions. This acquisition strengthens our existing capabilities, allowing us to offer our customers a single-source solution for their entire supply chain, including the critical and complex area of returns management. This enhances the value we deliver to our customers by streamlining their operations, reducing complexity, and improving their overall supply chain efficiency,” said Patrick Kelleher (pictured), CEO of DHL Supply Chain, North America.

He further added that, “The strategic growth opportunities that the returns market brings will enhance the success of DHL Supply Chain. It also puts us on the right path to support DHL Group’s plan to achieve 50% revenue growth by 2030 compared to 2023 as outlined in our recently announced Strategy 2030.”

“Inmar Intelligence and DHL share a deep commitment to customer-focused innovation. Because of that, we are confident that DHL will build even greater things on top of the Inmar Supply Chain Solutions foundation that we developed over time. As well, we are thrilled that Inmar associates will have an even broader set of supply chain experiences available from which they can continue to learn and develop over time at DHL. For Inmar Intelligence, this deal sets the stage for us to apply an even deeper level of focus and investment into our core businesses that are expanding rapidly,” said Spencer Baird (also pictured), CEO of Inmar Intelligence.

Consumers expect retailers to provide a seamless returns process while retailers are faced with new challenges such as returns abuse and rising operational costs. Thus, the acquisition marks a logical step to foster DHL’s customer centric approach that involves collaboration, expertise, and integration to solve the greatest supply chain challenges.

Enhancing commitment to sustainability

The acquisition of Inmar Supply Chain Solutions will also contribute to DHL’s strategic goal of decarbonizing its business by 2050. In the company’s recently announced Strategy 2030, sustainability is a strategic priority, recognizing its growing role as a key differentiator in the logistics sector. Assisting global customers to become carbon neutral is crucial, and DHL Group aims to achieve this by remaining the frontrunner in low-carbon logistics operations.

At the core of returns management is the need to drive sustainability, and Inmar’s technology-driven reverse logistics solutions are recognized across the industry for reducing cost and eliminating the waste generated from returned consumer goods. Emphasis is placed on recommerce, which has diverted 99% of consumer returns from reaching a landfill; an approach that aligns with DHL’s commitment to make customers’ supply chains more sustainable.

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Sagard NewGen acquires leading provider of SaaS solutions

Posted on by David Priestman

Sagard NewGen announces the acquisition of FuturMaster, a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) provider of Supply Chain Planning and Revenue Growth Management solutions, from its founder and Cathay Capital. Sagard NewGen becomes the Group’s majority shareholder alongside the management team and Cathay Capital, who reinvest in the new transaction.

This acquisition aligns with recent trends in the SaaS and supply chain sectors, where private equity and investment firms target companies driving digital transformation. For instance, in December 2022, Thoma Bravo acquired Coupa, a leader in business spend management, to enhance its portfolio of cloud-based solutions supporting operational efficiencies for large enterprises. Similarly, in January 2022, Blackstone invested in Cloudreach, a cloud services provider, to strengthen its capabilities in digital and cloud-based transformation. These deals, like the acquisition of FuturMaster, underscore a strategic focus on leveraging technology to optimize complex, global operations amidst shifting market demands.

FuturMaster, with its Bloom platform, offers a comprehensive suite of SaaS-based solutions for the end-to-end supply chain planning and revenue optimisation of large enterprises and mid-sized companies worldwide. Thanks to cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital twin modelling and operational research, FuturMaster enables its customers to better plan for demand, and adapt their operational response by optimising production, distribution and supply plans. This platform is used daily by many leading companies in all sectors, including Heineken, L’Oréal, TotalEnergies and SNCF, in over 90 countries. The group is profitable, with growth of c.30% per year, and generates over €30 million in revenue, over a third of which is generated outside France. It employs nearly 200 people in France, the UK, Singapore and China.

Yacine Zeroual, CEO of FuturMaster, said: ‘We are delighted to begin this new chapter with Sagard NewGen, which shares our ambition to become a global leader in Supply Chain Planning and Revenue Growth Management solutions. With the support of Sagard NewGen and Cathay Capital, and backed by a talented and committed team, we will accelerate our international expansion while continuing to offer our customers innovative solutions to transform their complexity into sustainable competitive advantage in a constantly changing world.’

Bérangère Barbe and Guillaume Lefebvre, Partners at Sagard NewGen, added: ‘We are delighted to support Yacine and his team in the next stages of FuturMaster’s development in Europe and beyond. This project, alongside the management team, is based above all on the continuity of the company’s strategy of product innovation and internationalisation. This transaction, which opens up the capital more widely to the company’s management team, is perfectly in line with Sagard NewGen’s Growth Buyout strategy.’

Jérémie Falzone, Partner at Cathay Capital, stated: ‘Since acquiring a stake in FuturMaster in 2020, we have been proud to support the company, which has successfully developed innovative SaaS-based supply chain management solutions and expanded its business with major companies that are leaders in their sectors. We are delighted to continue our partnership with Sagard NewGen and the company’s management to accelerate FuturMaster’s international growth.’

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Shiftmove Expands into France with Acquisition

Posted on by David Priestman

The acquisition of Optimum Automotive will enable Shiftmove, which was formed in 2023 from the merger of the two fleet management market leaders Avrios and Vimcar, to expand into France – Europe’s largest fleet market. 

Optimum Automotive, currently operates heavily in France, Portugal, Spain and Africa, has 107 employees, 7,500 customers and 200,000 vehicles under management.

Together, the two companies employ over 350 people and support more than 18,000 corporate customers with more than 550,000 vehicles under management. Users of the software solutions come for example from industries such as construction, technical support, healthcare, production and administration.

The acquisition is a strong signal of consolidation and digitalisation of the European fleet and mobility management market.

Shiftmove’s unique combination of software and telematics solutions enable small and medium-sized companies as well as large companies, such as Hotpoint UK Appliances, Actavo, All Saved, DB Schenker, McMakler and flaschenpost.de, to manage their vehicle fleets more economically and decisively drive the transformation to low-emission mobility. By automating previously time-consuming, manual processes and carrying out detailed data analyses, companies can use the modern software solutions to save costs and resources and plan the switch to alternative drive types in a targeted manner.

Francine Gervazio, CEO of Shiftmove (pictured below) , says: “We have the clear vision that more than one million vehicles will be managed via our cloud-based software solutions by 2027.

Shiftmove CEO - Francine

“The pressure on companies is growing enormously: increasingly stricter sustainability regulations and sharply rising costs for fuel, insurance and repairs require rapid action. With a powerful combination of top-edge software and telematics we are making the management of vehicle fleets as simple and efficient as possible, helping companies to increase their competitiveness and meet their sustainability goals.”

“With more than 10 million commercial vehicles, France is the largest fleet market in Europe. The digitalisation potential of the industry is immense. Only one in three European companies currently uses fleet management software to manage their own vehicle fleet.”

Daniel Vassallucci, CEO and Founder of Optimum Automotive, adds: “The acquisition by Shiftmove takes Optimum Automotive to the next level of growth, with the aim of becoming the European market leader for integrated telematics and software solutions for corporate fleets. Our product portfolios complement each other perfectly and form a strong, state-of-the-art offering for our more than 18,000 joint fleet customers across Europe.”

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Blackstone Acquires Pan-European Logistics Platform

Posted on by Will Priestman

Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager with over $1 trillion in assets under management, will acquire an 80% stake in Burstone’s Pan-European Logistics (PEL) platform, valued at €1.02 billion (R20 billion). Burstone will retain a 20% interest and continue managing the portfolio, while the transaction awaits regulatory and shareholder approval.

Since 2017, the PEL platform has amassed 32 strategically located logistics properties across seven European countries, primarily in Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Covering 1.2 million square meters, the portfolio boasts a 97% occupancy rate with over 110 tenants, mainly in third-party logistics, leveraging the properties’ strong transport links and proximity to key urban hubs.

In a joint effort, Burstone and Blackstone plan to further expand the PEL platform by targeting new industrial and logistics property acquisitions in major European markets.

Andrew Wooler, CEO of Burstone Group, remarked:
“Our goal has been to establish strategic partnerships in Europe, and we’re pleased to partner with Blackstone. This collaboration strengthens our relationship and unlocks new growth potential for our platform, particularly in scaling our investment management business.”

James Seppala, Head of European Real Estate at Blackstone, added:
“Logistics is a core investment focus globally. This portfolio, with its ideal location in key European logistics markets, complements our existing assets and positions us to meet the growing demand driven by the e-commerce boom.”

Blackstone’s Acquisition of Mileway

This transaction echoes Blackstone’s recent acquisition of Mileway, the largest operator of urban logistics properties in Europe, in a deal valued at €21 billion. Much like the Burstone PEL acquisition, Mileway was strategically focused on the high-demand logistics sector, driven by the rapid growth of e-commerce. Blackstone took full ownership of Mileway in 2022, further cementing its stronghold in the European logistics market.

Both deals reflect Blackstone’s strategy of investing heavily in logistics, particularly assets located near major urban centers. The Mileway acquisition, like the Burstone transaction, underscores the rising value of logistics properties as e-commerce trends reshape supply chain needs across Europe. With robust market demand and strategically located assets, Blackstone continues to expand its logistics portfolio in core European regions.

The Burstone deal, though smaller in scale, aligns with Blackstone’s overarching investment thesis: acquiring well-located, high-occupancy logistics properties that benefit from the surge in e-commerce and third-party logistics.

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Palletower Bolsters Portfolio with Triple Acquisition

Posted on by David Priestman

Palletower, a UK manufacturer, stockist and supplier of storage and logistics equipment, has announced that it has accelerated its growth and product offering with a triple acquisition.The business has acquired WP Group, Astirvant and Yorkshire Storage.

By completing this multi-acquisition investment, Palletower aims to position itself as a dominant player in the North West racking market and expand its offering to allow for businesses to come to Palletower for an end-to-end product and service offering.

Palletower customers are now able to purchase storage and logistics equipment, but also benefit from a range of racking services including: site visit and consultation, design and specification, storage product solutions, installation and aftercare, as well as routine safety inspections.

Founded in 1988, WP Group is a leading UK supplier of industrial racking systems and specialist mezzanine floor installations and shelving systems. Similarly, Yorkshire Storage and Astirvant specialise in assisting businesses in maximising their space, providing workplace solutions, from everyday essential workplace equipment to full office and warehouse fit-outs. All three of the acquired companies have been a market player in the North West for over three decades and have built up a loyal customer base. Palletower will therefore not only benefit from strengthening its product and service offering but will also amplify its customers base.

This strategic move from Palletower enhances its capabilities and extends the company’s reach while further increasing its extensive product range to customers. Furthermore, the triple acquisition will allow for even greater efficiency and innovation internally.

Optimised service

Matthew Palmer, Managing Director at Palletower commented, “This multi-acquisition provides Palletower with the opportunity of offering its customers a full end-to-end storage equipment solution. Customers will be able to come to us for storage planning all the way through to purchasing storage and logistics solutions, and will no longer need to source multiple suppliers. As such we are delighted in supporting further growth with Astirvant, Yorkshire Storage and WP Group under the Palletower Group and are looking forward to providing an optimised product and service solution to our customers.”

Nick Robinson at WP Group said, “This is extremely positive news for our team and customers. We are excited about the possibilities that this partnership brings and look forward to meeting the needs of our customers with enhanced efficiency. We are excited to align our offerings and work together to dominate the storage and logistics market.”

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GXO Trumps CEVA’s Wincanton Offer

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Wincanton Logistics Directors are now supporting a £762m takeover offer from the American third party logistics company GXO and have withdrawn their backing for a rival bid from CEVA Logistics.

Wincanton said on Friday that directors intended to recommend unanimously an offer of 605p a share made by GXO on Thursday. In the latest twist in the takeover battle, the Wincanton board withdrew their backing for an increased and final cash offer from Marseille-based CEVA Logistics at 480p a share. The GXO offer is pitched at a 29% premium to the record high share price of 470p reached during the period to 18 January, the last business day before Wincanton received a £567m bid from CEVA.

Currently listed on the London Stock Exchange, Wincanton is a leading supply chain partner for British and Irish business, and a trusted partner to many of the UK and Ireland’s most recognisable brands and influential public bodies. Wincanton provides business critical services and takes care of all customers’ supply chain needs and a range of outsourced and integrated supply chain solutions, across four sectors: efulfilment; Grocery & Consumer; General Merchandise; and Public & Industrial.

With almost 100 years’ heritage, Wincanton’s 20,300-strong team operates from more than 170 sites across the country, responsible for 8,500 vehicles. For FY23, Wincanton generated revenue of £1,462 million, underlying EBITDA of £121.9 million.

GXO Trumps CEVA

CMA CGM provided this statement to Logistics Business:

On 19 January 2024, the boards of directors of Wincanton plc (“Wincanton”) and CEVA Logistics UK Rose Limited (“CEVA”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CEVA Logistics S.A. (“CEVA Logistics”), itself a subsidiary of CMA CGM S.A. (“CMA CGM”), made an announcement pursuant to Rule 2.7 of the Code that they had reached agreement on the terms and conditions of a recommended cash offer for the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Wincanton by CEVA (the “Acquisition”), to be implemented by means of a scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the Companies Act 2006 (the “Scheme”).

The scheme document in respect of the Acquisition (the “Scheme Document”) was published and made available to Wincanton Shareholders on 15 February 2024. A supplementary announcement to the Scheme Document was then published on 26 February 2024 pursuant to which CEVA announced the terms of an Increased and Final Offer (as defined therein) (the “Supplementary Scheme Announcement”). CEVA reserved the right to increase the Increased and Final Offer Price (as defined in the Supplementary Scheme Announcement) if a competing offer was made for Wincanton.

On 29 February 2024 a competing offer was announced for Wincanton. On 1 March 2024 the Wincanton Directors announced that they no longer recommend the Increased and Final Offer.
Following the Wincanton Directors’ change in recommendation, in accordance with Note 2 on Rule 32.2 of the Takeover Code, CEVA confirms that it will not set aside the no price increase statement in the Supplementary Scheme Announcement. Furthermore, CEVA will not switch to a takeover offer (as defined in section 974 of the Companies Act 2006) in respect of Wincanton. It is CEVA’s intention that the Increased and Final Offer will lapse in due course.

CEVA felt that the Increased and Final Offer represented a very attractive opportunity for all Wincanton stakeholders, notably its employees, clients and the Wincanton Shareholders.
As a global leader, CMA CGM will continue deploying its growth roadmap, leveraging its clear business strategy and very robust balance sheet, while always maintaining a clear focus on value creation with financial discipline in any acquisition.

CEVA Logistics and CMA CGM are committed to serving their clients and growing their presence in the United Kingdom which remains a core market for the CMA CGM group.
This announcement should be read in conjunction with the Scheme Document and the Supplementary Scheme Announcement. Capitalised terms used but not defined in this announcement have the meanings given to them in the Scheme Document.

Wincanton chairman, Sir Martin Read, said: “Under the current management team, we have made positive progress and ensured that Wincanton is at the forefront of logistics innovation. The board of Wincanton is pleased that GXO recognises the very significant value inherent in this business and intends to recommend the offer to shareholders for their consideration.”

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