Mergers, Acquisitions and Coops

July 20, 2005
For its $ 454 million, PWC Logistics has purchased GeoLogistics Corp. with its extensive network of non-asset based freight management and customized

For its $ 454 million, PWC Logistics has purchased GeoLogistics Corp. with its extensive network of non-asset based freight management and customized solutions all working on a single, company-wide IT system. PWC is a global provider of end-to-end supply chain solutions, with particular strength in Middle Eastern markets.

For his part, Tarek Sultan, chairman of PWC Logistics, sees strength in the GeoLogistics presence in Asia, Europe and the Americas adding to the overall portfolio.

Bill Flynn, GeoLogistics president and CEO notes that over the past year, the company has explored a number of options for expansion, including a public offering. “Now,” he notes: we are poised to provide our customers with ever-increasing levels and breadth of service.” Plans call for GeoLogistics senior management to remain in place with no material organizational changes.

The countries largest privately held provider of third party logistics (3PL) services, Ozburn-Hessey Logistics, has been purchased by a private equity investor firm, Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe. The present management team will remain.

To now, the New York-based equity firm has invested in a number of information, business services and healthcare firms, many with presence in Nashville, as is Osburn-Hessey. They include Comdata, Quorum Health Group, Ardent Health Services and OrthoLink.

For its part, Ozburn-Hessey Logistics operates 18 multi-client warehouse campuses and almost 100 total facilities in 20 states. Its supply chain services include fulfillment, service parts management, return logistics, cross docking and pool distribution.

By agreeing to an exclusive contractual agreement with Hong-Kong-headquartered Kerry Freight International Ltd., U.S. freight forwarder and logistics company, Lynden International, has doubled its supply chain services infrastructure, creating a 3PL provider operating in Asia and North America under a common brand and operating system.