Pilot expands in US and Mexico with acquisitions

Logistics and transportation provider Pilot Freight Services (Pilot) has expanded its presence in the US Midwest and along the US-Mexico border with the acquisition of five franchise stations.

The integration took place on July 1 with no disruption to Pilot’s service offerings.

The acquired franchise stations offer solutions for the automotive, healthcare, home furnishings, industrial products and packaging industries.

Pilot said the franchise stations, which are located in Wisconsin, Texas and Mexico, will help it to better provide “seamless” trade solutions for its cross-border clients. 

“The leadership and employees of the franchises will join the Pilot organisation as part of the transactions,” the company explained in statement.

Pilot has acquired 25 franchise locations in the last three years, backed by ATL Partners and British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI). In 2018, Pilot completed the acquisition of last-mile logistics provider Manna Freight Systems.

“As a result of these acquisitions, nearly 90% of Pilot’s locations are company owned,” the company said.

Gordon Branov, chief executive officer of Pilot Freight Services, commented: “So much of Pilot’s success is grounded in the strength and expertise of our team members.

“Acquiring franchises with a record of strong performance and growth, adds to the stability and growth trajectory for Pilot in both domestic and global sales.

“We are happy to welcome long-term franchisees to the Pilot corporate team, and we are confident they will play instrumental roles in the long-term growth of the company.”