The GEFCO Group which is a leading global player in logistics for manufacturers and European automotive logistics has announced that it has agreed with the private equity fund, Nimbus, to acquire IJS Global, the Dutch registered air and sea freight specialists.
The move is seen as being the start of a happy marriage as it is said that both companies complement each other well with regards to expertise, geographic networks and customer portfolios.
This they see as creating further value for their stakeholders, customers, partners, suppliers and staff worldwide.
The aim is to offer a broader range of global logistics services which are geared more to the optimisation of complex supply chains.
This, in their view, will position the new entity as being the preferred partner for international manufacturers.
Favourable conditions for integration
The top managers at both concerns are seemingly convinced of the complementary nature of both their business networks as well as the added expertise their joint customers will gain through the
operational and commercial merger of both companies.
It is interesting to note that once the acquisition of IJS Global is completed, that all of GEFCO’s overseas freight forwarding activities will be run by Sjoerd Van Loon, who is the current CEO
of IJS Global.
Luc Nadel, Chairman of the GEFCO Management Board said that “we have all the assets to become a major overseas player for all our international industrial customers. I am confident that our teams
- both IJS Global and GEFCO - will demonstrate how skilled and professional they are in listening to the needs of our customers and meeting their demands.”
Benefits for customers?
That seems to be one of the main targets of the tie-up.
Both GEFCO and IJS managers are working towards giving clients and business partners of both entities immediate combined access to the main market trade flows.
This is mainly aimed at trading lines between South-East Asia and the USA as well as between Europe and South-East Asia.
The Group also holds an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status within Europe and is able to operate in more than 150 countries, connecting to a total of more than 350 destinations.
This, they feel will offer strategic agents and suppliers a wide range of new trade opportunities.
The deal which has been agreed upon by both companies comes into effect immediately after the completion of regulatory formalities which are expected to be finalised within a short period of
time.
Sjoerd Van Loon, CEO of IJS Global states that “we are delighted to join the GEFCO Group, a global leader in high value-added logistics. The networks of both companies are complementary and will
significantly contribute to our service offerings.”
Is this the start of a new consolidation move among agents?
John Mc Donagh
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