Carousel Logistics expands with BDA acquisition

Carousel Logistics has purchased BDA Logistics Innovation (BDA), a move that increases its overnight airfreight operation between the UK and Europe.

Carousel said the acquisition of the time-critical aftermarket logistics specialist strengthens its position across Europe, with turboprop airfreight services covering the Netherlands, Ireland and the UK.

This is Carousel’s third acquisition since 2016 and will increase revenues by more than 50%. The deal is the largest in its history and follows on from investment from private equity firm Livingbridge in 2013.

BDA will be integrated and rebranded as Carousel to reflect its position within the wider group of companies. Kevin Turner will remain as managing director of the air-bridge division and BDA’s operations, locations and account management teams, will remain unchanged.

Carousel co-founder and group chief executive Graham Martin said: “With an impressive client portfolio and high service levels we have admired BDA for some time, particularly because they share in our belief for delivering exceptional service solutions.

“As the demand for service-logistics continues to grow, it is important that we provide the right technology, network and services that our clients need.

“By utilising our established technology infrastructure, we can connect the two companies easily, bringing huge benefits to clients and staff alike. We have a great foundation to work from and we look forward to working with BDA and building on our extensive experience together.” 

BDA group managing director Kevin Turner said: “The way in which Carousel has grown so dramatically, has been really impressive to watch in recent years. With a mutual recognition of one another’s strengths, we have held Carousel’s market-leading service and technology platform in high regard for some time, while Carousel has recognised the strength of our infrastructure and client relationships.

“In joining the wider group of companies, we can extend our service portfolio and offer agile technologies, all for benefit of our clients. Plus, with an innovative culture and award-winning commitment to staff training and development, there is also an exciting opportunity for staff too. We can’t wait to get started.”

Carousel specialises in the medical, technology and agriculture offers first and final-mile delivery options; field engineer and dealer services; air and road line-hauls; in-night distribution; warehousing and returns management solutions from its ten European service centres.

BDA, meanwhile, has operations at four hubs: Maastricht, Birmingham, Frankfurt and Dublin.