SEKO Logistics makes first acquisition in 42-year history to start ‘transformative year’
04 / 01 / 2019
SEKO Logistics has purchased Chicago-headquartered customs brokerage and compliance consultancy GoodShip International as it kicks off what it describes as a transformative year.
The acquisition is SEKO’s first in its 42-year history and is part of plans to expand its global footprint, establish more partnerships and make further acquisitions in the forwarding and technology sectors.
GoodShip International provides customs brokerage, compliance, air and ocean freight solutions to a broad range of clients, with emphasis on the transpacific eastbound trade.
Sectors it covers include: aerospace, automotive, electronics, FMCG, healthcare products, pharma and retail.
SEKO president and chief executive James Gagne said: “GoodShip is a perfect example of the type of company we had in mind when we announced our expansion strategy.
“2018 has been another strong year for SEKO but after 42 years of organic growth, it is time to enhance our strategy to step up to the next level by working with the right types of strategic partners and undertaking acquisitions to enhance our technology, network and capabilities.
"GoodShip’s customs brokerage and compliance expertise has earned the respect and trust of the company’s customers in Chicago and the Midwest and this will add more depth to what we offer today.”
The company said that the addition of GoodShip International will build "the capabilities of SEKO’s Chicago Gateway, which offers support to international shippers, by adding a new level of customs brokerage and compliance services".
Further expansion of SEKO’s Midwest operations will be announced in the second quarter of 2019.
GoodShip president Ryan Villiard added: "We are genuinely excited by SEKO’s ambition and the pace with which it intends to grow.
"We can clearly see how we fit into SEKO’s business to support its growing portfolio of value-added forwarding solutions. Most significantly, GoodShip’s clients will now have access to the resources and expertise of a single logistics company that possesses a worldwide footprint, key technology differentiators, and award-winning forwarding, omni-channel, cross-border eCommerce, and White Glove services. This is a great move for our company, our employees and customers.”
Last year, SEKO expanded into Mexico with the opening of locations in Laredo/Nuevo Laredo, McAllen/Reynosa, Mexico City, Monterrey, Toluca and Queretaro.
It also announced a strategic partnership with Hermes Germany and the purchase of a majority shareholding in longstanding strategic partner Omni-Channel Logistics to grow its e-commerce and technology solutions.
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