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Tag: acquisition

DP World to acquire Imperial

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Imperial has entered into an agreement with DP World that will see the latter acquire the South African logistics company for an approximate figure of ZAR 12.7 billion (EUR 746 million)

DP World, a global infrastructure-led supply chain solutions provider with 136 business units in 61 countries across six continents, is interested in acquiring Imperial and all its businesses to expand its logistics footprint in Africa and Europe. Imperial’s Logistics International business is within the scope of the offer and as such will not be sold separately under this proposed offer.

“This transaction will be value-enhancing for Imperial as our business will benefit from DP World’s leading technology, global networks and key trade-lane volumes, while enabling us to build on our ‘Gateway to Africa’ strategic and growth ambitions,” explains Mohammed Akoojee, Group CEO of Imperial.

“Our Logistics International business and operations are also aligned with DP World’s strategic expansion plans on the European continent. Combining DP World’s world-class infrastructure, specifically its investment and expertise in ports on the African and European continents, with Imperial’s logistics and market access platforms will enable us to offer integrated end-to-end solutions along key trade lanes into and out of Africa and accelerate our position in Europe, driving greater supply chain efficiencies and ultimaately enhancing value for all stakeholders.”

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said: “We are excited to announce the proposed acquisition of Imperial, which will add significant strategic value to DP World given its attractive footprint and strong logistics solutions capability. Imperial has a significant presence in Africa, a market where trade is expected to grow at more than 2x GDP driven by population growth, accelerated urbanisation and rising middle classes. Imperial’s business strongly complements DP World’s existing footprint in Africa and Europe and will allow us to deliver a fully integrated end-to-end solution to cargo owners across a wider market.”

 

Culina acquisition of Stobart creates £2.2bn business

Posted on by David Priestman

Culina Group, a market-leading provider of shared-user FMCG logistics services, has acquired GreenWhiteStar Acquisitions, the parent company of Eddie Stobart.

In addition to Eddie Stobart, GreenWhiteStar Acquisitions comprises Eddie Stobart Europe, iForce, The Pallet Network, and The Logistics People.

With an overall turnover of more than £2.2bn, a combined workforce of around 22,000 staff, approaching 20 million sq ft of warehousing and a joint fleet of more than 5,500 vehicles, Culina Group says it has significantly strengthened its market-leading position in the FMCG Logistics Sector with this acquisition.

GreenWhiteStar Acquisitions will benefit from private ownership with protection of its brands for years to come. The move will also provide job retention, investment, and will bring an entrepreneurial spirit.

“GreenWhiteStar Acquisitions and Culina Group are complementary businesses, two very strong organisations with great reputations in the industry and with similar cultures,” said Thomas van Mourik, Culina Group CEO. “This is an excellent fit which is going to be fantastic for both our staff and for our clients, whilst making Culina Group the largest FMCG logistics provider in the UK.

“It goes without saying that we are acquiring some excellent contracts, facilities and people. This move significantly expands our ambient network and will enable us to benefit from synergies and efficiencies that will improve our service offer to customers even further.”

The acquisition extends the existing Culina Group network to over 100 strategically located distribution centres in the UK following the addition of the 40+ facilities operated by GreenWhiteStar Acquisitions. Culina Group says it is now the largest privately owned logistics provider in the UK and a business that is undisputed in terms of service.

“Culina Group recognises that it is investing in a highly successful business with its own great family spirit,” said William Stobart, GreenWhiteStar Executive Chairman. “Culina Group’s aim now is to support our growth trajectory with the added workforce infrastructure and resources of the overall Group. The GreenWhiteStar Acquisitions Board are extremely pleased to take the group businesses back to private ownership. The combining of our two businesses will create major opportunities for significantly growing our market share.”

William Stobart will take a seat on the Culina Group Board for the long term as Deputy Group CEO. Culina says the primary aim is to ensure that all current and prospective customers continue to benefit from market-leading levels of service.

 

Briggs Equipment acquires plant hire company

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Briggs Equipment has acquired JB Plant Hire, a Northern Ireland-based plant hire company. This latest acquisition further strengthens Briggs’s position in the Irish plant hire market following the purchase of Laois Hire in Portlaoise and Balloo Hire Ltd in Dublin earlier in 2021 and builds on the position established through the acquisition of Balloo Hire in Belfast in 2019.

JB Plant Hire, operating from two sites in Dungannon and Omagh, has an excellent and well-deserved reputation based on more than 35 years of growth. The business has a strong track record of delivering high quality plant hire services across the west of Northern Ireland and has established a loyal and diverse customer base.

This acquisition also demonstrates Briggs Equipment’s long-term commitment to ongoing business development and underlines its position as the UK & Ireland’s leading asset management and engineering services specialist.

Peter Jones, Briggs Equipment’s Group Managing Director, commented: “We are delighted to have completed this latest acquisition of JB Plant Hire. The business has been successful over several decades and we will be building on those proven results with the backing and investment of the Briggs Equipment Group.

“This acquisition means we are delivering on our ambition of providing comprehensive plant hire coverage across Northern Ireland. JB Plant Hire will complement our Balloo Hire business in providing quality plant hire to a diverse customer base.

“We look forward to working closely with the JB Plant Hire teams and supporting their future growth and product expansion as part of the Briggs Equipment Group.”

The JB Plant Hire name will continue, with all current operational contacts remaining in place.

 

G-Solutions rebrands as Bolloré following acquisition

Posted on by David Priestman

Bolloré Logistics, which ranks among the world’s top 10 in transport and logistics, has taken a significant leap forward in the Nordics with the acquisition of a majority stake in the Swedish company Global Freight Solutions AB and its Finnish affiliate. The freight forwarder G-Solutions which has operated under the Global Freight Solutions AB (G-Solutions) name up to now, will use Bolloré Logistics brand with immediate effect.

This strategic milestone thus complement the regional network following previous implementation in Norway and Denmark. Having its headquarters in the Swedish maritime hub of Gothenburg, with an additional office in Stockholm, and a branch in the Finnish capital Helsinki, G-Solutions is part of the Bolloré Logistics network since 2019. The remaining process of partnership reinforce the company presence in Europe, focusing on the development of the Nordic markets. It also marks the founding of two new subsidiaries: Bolloré Logistics Sweden AB and Bolloré Logistics Finland OY.

The Nordic company offer a comprehensive portfolio of services and creates synergies with many of the Bolloré Logistics’ industry verticals, such as mining, power, automotive, aeronautics and defence, telecom, high-tech, healthcare and retail.

Johan Moerth, Managing Director of Bolloré Logistics Sweden and Finland, stated: “This brand change constitutes a new milestone in our development strategy. Established in the region since 2006, we’ve provided the local footprint and knowledge of our markets, while benefiting from the global of a major actor of the supply chain industry. This allows us to offer our Swedish and Finnish customers a wide portfolio of competitive services in multimodal transport, warehousing, customs clearance, IT systems, with the strong ability for designing some tailor-made and innovative solutions.”

Commenting on the news, David Smith, CEO Northern Europe of Bolloré Logistics added: “This important progression secures the strategic objective of an owned and rapidly expanding network in the Nordics. It further emphasises the vital and growing presence of Sweden and Finland within our global and industry vertical offerings. I would like to pay tribute to Johan Moerth and his wider teams for their strong contribution ever since joining the company. This adoption of the Bolloré Logistics brand is the perfect reflection of the active membership of the subsidiaries in Sweden and Finland within the European region and their key role in the development plans that lie ahead.”

Brady acquires Nordic ID

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Brady Corporation has further strengthened its capabilities as a full-service provider of printer and  material expertise with the acquisition of Nordic ID.

Nordic ID adds strong, software-integrated RFID scanning capabilities and technology to Brady’s reliable, industrial-grade and RFID-enabled identification labels and printers. The acquisition strengthens Brady’s position as a worldwide full service provider for RFID and Industry 4.0 solutions.

Brady continuously innovates label materials and identification solutions, focusing on the evolving identification needs of many customers in diverse industries. The ability to include compliant, passive RFID chips and sensors in flexible, self-adhesive industrial grade label materials is a development spearheaded by Brady’s RFID competence centre in the EMEA-region.

“In the future, all products will need a unique digital identity to enhance their visibility throughout the supply chain, all the way to the end-customer,” said Brett Wilms, Managing Director Identification Solutions for EMEA at Brady Corporation.

“This enhanced visibility will help improve efficiency, increase sustainability, and enhance the customer experience. Our reliable, RFID-enabled label portfolio, know-how and print on-site capabilities are perfectly placed to enable these advantages for many companies, even in conditions considered challenging for most labels. Adding Nordic ID’s technology and solutions further develops and strengthens this offer.”

Combined with Nordic ID’s RFID readers, scanners, software, technology and capabilities, Brady can now offer highly customisable and complete RFID solutions to fully enable the benefits of Industry 4.0.

Juuso Lehmuskoski, CEO of Nordic ID stated, “Nordic ID’s technology provides solutions that enable our customers to manage their business processes based on intelligent data that bring transparency to their manufacturing processes, and predictability to their operations. The sale of Nordic ID to such a highly-regarded market leader in identification solutions presents an unparalleled opportunity for future growth in diverse industries worldwide.”

Brady intends to increase R&D efforts at Nordic ID to accelerate new RFID product introductions and to expand its product offering both within and outside of Europe. Nordic ID’s technology combined with Brady’s leading market position in niche application industrial printers and materials make this an attractive business combination in the fast-growing arena of track and trace applications within the industrial setting.

C.H. Robinson acquires Combinex to expand European footprint

Posted on by Keith McKinley

C.H. Robinson has further expanded its European road transportation presence with the acquisition of Combinex Holding B.V. Combinex is one of the fastest-growing forwarders in the Benelux region, specialising in transport services for dry, fresh and frozen goods.

“The acquisition is a great opportunity for C.H. Robinson and will strengthen our existing footprint in Europe, particularly our presence in Western Europe,” said Jeroen Eijsink, President of Europe for C.H. Robinson. “Combinex will also offer us additional haul capabilities with a dedicated fleet, expanding our reach in the short-medium haul market. I am excited to welcome Arie Troost and his experienced team to the C.H. Robinson family.”

“This is an exciting day for us at Combinex, as we bring together our strong offerings and incredible talent to compliment C.H. Robinson’s services, technology and presence in Europe,” said Arie Troost, Founder and CEO of Combinex. “Combining our diversified, loyal client base, reliable network of transporters and dedicated fleet and owned trailers with C.H. Robinson’s scale and expertise, will allow us to provide even better services to our customers.”

C.H. Robinson’s European road transportation business spans across all the major trade lanes in Europe. Its global freight forwarding division offers global air, ocean, and customs services. This announcement follows two recent European company acquisitions in 2019, including Dema Services, a leading provider of road transportation based in Italy, and Space Cargo, a global freight forwarding group in Spain.

Hutchison acquires Rotterdam container terminal 

Posted on by Keith McKinley

APM Terminals (APMT) and Hutchison Ports have announced that Hutchison Ports Netherlands B.V., a subsidiary of Hutchison Ports, has signed an agreement to acquire the Rotterdam container terminal APM Terminals Rotterdam (APMTR) from APMT.

APMTR is located adjacent to Hutchison Ports’ existing ECT Delta terminal in the Maasvlakte area of Europe’s largest port. It has 1,600 metres of deep-water quay serviced by 13 ship-to-shore gantry cranes.

Commenting on the divestment, Rolf Nielsen, Head of Hub Terminals APMT, said: “We are pleased to announce our divestment of APMTR to Hutchison Ports. Over the past 18 months, the various parties have worked intensively and constructively together with all relevant parties, including APMTR’s works council and trade unions, to complete the transaction. The sale gives APMTR the best possible future with a good security for jobs for its employees.”

Commenting on the acquisition, Clemence Cheng, Managing Director of Hutchison Ports Europe, said: “We are delighted to strengthen further our presence in the Port of Rotterdam. We already handle the majority of containers in the port through ECT’s Delta and Euromax terminals. The addition of APMTR will further enhance our ability to offer a first class and flexible service to our customers.

“We will continue to serve Maersk Line’s existing business at the terminal and will work with the workforce to develop the customer and volume base to meet growing demand.  We have the opportunity to redevelop and enhance the facility in the future and look forward to continuing to grow our business in the port.”

 

Panasonic acquires Blue Yonder

Posted on by David Priestman

 

Panasonic Corporation has agreed to acquire Blue Yonder, a leading end-to-end, digital fulfilment platform provider. Panasonic will purchase the remaining 80% of shares (for USD5.6 billion) of Blue Yonder, adding to the 20% which Panasonic acquired in July 2020.

Including repayment of outstanding debt, the additional investment totals USD7.1 billion, valuing Blue Yonder at USD8.5 billion. An agreement to purchase the remaining shares of Blue Yonder has been reached between Panasonic and the existing shareholders New Mountain Capital and funds managed by Blackstone.

The need for more intelligent, autonomous and edge-aware supply chains has been dramatically heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of ecommerce and the proliferation of data. This acquisition strengthens Panasonic’s portfolio and accelerates the companies’ shared Autonomous Supply Chain mission, empowering customers to optimise their supply chains using the combined power of AI/ML and IoT and edge devices.

By unifying supply, demand and commerce solutions with IoT and edge technologies, companies can better utilise predictive business insights to pivot their operations in real-time.

Combining Panasonic’s strength in industrial engineering, IoT and edge technologies with Blue Yonder’s AI/ML-driven supply chain and commerce solutions greatly intensifies the customer value of Blue Yonder’s leading digital fulfilment platform. Together, Panasonic and Blue Yonder will deliver a unique competitive advantage for customers to drive more automation and actionable, real-time business insights that reduce waste and improve operations, while creating a more sustainable world.

Blue Yonder is a supply chain industry leader, providing an end-to-end platform driven by AI/ML that serves as a “system of intelligence” for its global retail, manufacturing and logistics customers. Its cloud-based Luminate platform seamlessly manages all nodes of the supply chain across planning, execution and commerce on one unified platform.

The company counts more than 3,000 global customers including 65 of the top 100 retailers, 48 of the top manufacturers, and 9 of the top 10 global third-party logistics companies. Blue Yonder’s global customers include many of the world’s leading brands including Albertsons, Best Buy, BP, Caterpillar, Coca-Cola, DHL, Diageo, Lowes, Marks & Spencer, Mercedes Benz, PepsiCo, Procter ＆ Gamble, Starbucks, Unilever and Walmart.

With over 100 years of knowledge and expertise gained from the manufacturing industry, Panasonic aims to solve vital societal issues caused by extreme fluctuations in demand and the logistics issues brought on by dynamics such as COVID-19, changing shopping trends, and labour shortages. With Blue Yonder, Panasonic will be better equipped to empower customers to optimize their supply chains using the combined power of AI/ML and IoT and edge devices.

Panasonic CEO Yuki Kusumi stated: “I’m extremely happy to welcome Blue Yonder and its associates to the Panasonic Group. Both companies have the same mission to support customers’ frontline operations and we have a high affinity in our corporate cultures. By merging the two companies, we would like to realise a world where waste is autonomously eliminated from all supply chain operations and the cycle of sustainable improvement continues.

“There are still many such losses and stagnation in supply chain operations, so through the drastic reduction of wasted labour and resources, we would like to provide better ways of working, and contribute to customers’ management reform and also to the realisation of a sustainable society by carefully using limited global resources. I am confident that by combining the power of Blue Yonder and Panasonic, we can create innovation in global supply chains.”

Girish Rishi, CEO of Blue Yonder stated: “This association came about as a result of three years of working together, first with Panasonic as a Blue Yonder customer and thereafter as joint venture partner. We have developed mutual trust and have a shared vision for an Autonomous Supply Chain that delivers a better life and a better world. As the essential platform for essential times, we are relentlessly focused in fulfilling our customers’ potential.”

DSV Panalpina acquires Agility GIL

Posted on by David Priestman

Two years after buying Panalpina, DSV Panalpina has announced the acquisition of Agility Global Integrated Logistics (GIL) is a deal worth $4.2 billion. The resultant group will become the world’s third-largest transport and logistics company when the deal is concluded in Q3/2021.

Global Integrated Logistics is part of Agility and one of the world’s top freight forwarding and 3PL providers. In 2020, the company had $4 billion in revenue, mainly related to air & sea freight, and a workforce of approximately 17,000 employees.

DSV recently completed the integration of the company’s largest acquisition to date, the Swiss Panalpina, and with the acquisition of GIL, DSV Panalpina will become the world’s third-largest transport and logistics company with a combined pro forma revenue of approximately $22 billion – an increase of around 23% – and a combined workforce of more than 70,000 employees.

The Air & Sea-division, the largest division of DSV Panalpina, will be substantially strengthened in particular with the acquisition of GIL and will consolidate the rank among the largest providers globally with close to 2.8 million containers (TEUs) and more than 1.6 million tonnes of air freight transported annually.

The contract logistics capabilities, which are increasingly important due to complex supply chains and changing distribution channels, will strengthen DSV’s Solutions division with GIL’s additional warehousing capacity of more than 1.4 million sq m, mainly in APAC and the Middle East. Furthermore, GIL will add road freight activities to DSV’s network in both Europe and the Middle East and thereby increase DSV’s competitiveness across all three divisions.

DSV and GIL are a strong match with valuable synergies as a result of similarities in both business models, services and strategies. According to the Group CEO of DSV Panalpina, Jens Bjørn Andersen, there are many good reasons to join forces with the Middle Eastern transport and logistics provider: “GIL and DSV are an excellent match, and we are proud that we can announce our agreement to join forces. The combination of our two global networks will provide us with the opportunity to offer our customers an even higher service level.

“GIL’s strong market position in APAC and the Middle East complements DSV’s network well and will support our long-term value creation ambitions. Our two groups already share a culture of entrepreneurship and local ownership, and we look forward to welcoming GIL’s talented staff to DSV.”

DSV has long been known for its acquisition strategy and has found success in both acquiring and integrating companies, most recently Swiss Panalpina in 2019 and American UTi Worldwide in 2015. The focus on scalability remains one of the key competitive advantages in freight forwarding with significant operational and commercial benefits in a highly fragmented market.

DSV Panalpina and GIL expect to close the transaction in Q3 2021 provided conditions are met and necessary approvals are obtained. Until then, DSV Panalpina and GIL will continue to operate separately and independently.

The Rack Group acquired by IWS 

Posted on by Keith McKinley

IWS Group, The Industrial Workspace Specialists, has acquired The Rack Group, a leading provider of pallet racking safety, inspection, repair and maintenance solutions.

The move will see The Rack Group become part of a growing family of specialist, market-leading businesses that currently includes impact protection solutions provider, Brandsafe, and visual communication solutions supplier, Beaverswood.

IWS Group provides essential services and supplies to the logistics, warehousing and material handling sectors in the UK, across Europe and beyond. The acquisition will further strengthen its position in core markets, extend the scope of the existing offering and open up opportunities to provide customers with additional product solutions and services.

Established for over 40 years and based in Barnsley, The Rack Group supplies its innovative racking protection products, such as Rack Armour, and its racking inspection, repair and maintenance services to some of the largest brands in retail, warehousing, logistics and material handling.

Management of both businesses believe that there is a uniquely complementary fit between the companies in terms of product ranges, services, people and expertise. Under the terms of the deal, The Rack Group will continue to trade as usual under its existing brand.

Jeroen van den Berge, CEO of IWS Group, said: “We are excited to welcome The Rack Group to the IWS family. We have known The Rack Group for some time and, as a business that has built a market-leading reputation for quality and expertise in racking safety, with a long-standing, multi-site customer base, it represents a strong and natural strategic fit for IWS Group.

“The warehousing, logistics and materials handling sectors have seen unprecedented growth due to new shopping behaviours and IWS Group is bringing together businesses built on specialist expertise and customer centricity to serve these sectors with essential products and services. The addition of The Rack Group provides further opportunity to broaden the scope of services and solutions each of the IWS Group companies can offer their customers. We look forward to a bright, prosperous and successful future together.”

Jenny Charlton, director at The Rack Group, said: “This is an extremely positive development for both organisations, bringing new opportunities to add greater value to customers in terms of product solutions, technical capabilities and enhanced customer service.

“Our market presence will remain as strong as it has always been. Indeed, an attraction of linking up with IWS Group means that we can benefit from the additional resources, infrastructure, and product offering that it brings, without loss of brand identity or the core values that have contributed to our success over four decades.”

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