Canadian maritime terminal operator QSL has bought out Groupe Robert’s stake in Transport Watson & Sycamore to become full owner of the heavy-haul trucking company based near Montreal.
Quebec-based QSL announced the transaction on Tuesday without disclosing a price. The terminal operator and Groupe Robert, one of Canada’s largest trucking and logistics companies, jointly acquired Quebec-based Watson in 2018.
“I would like to thank Groupe Robert for enabling us to bring this acquisition project to a smooth landing,” QSL President and CEO Robert Bellisle said in a statement. “Their support over the past two years has been essential in familiarizing us with the road transportation industry, which enhances our offer in the entire transportation logistics sector.”
Bellisle noted that the acquisition has already allowed QSL to expand its services beyond operating terminals and stevedoring. “Thanks to the know-how of Transport Watson & Sycamore, we can, for example, load ships with wind turbine blades, unload them onto our trucks and deliver them to their destination,” he said.
Transport Watson and Sycamore has a fleet of more than 100 vehicles and 120 employees. In addition to providing heavy-haul and oversized transportation services, the carrier also designs customized trailers.
Heavy-haul transportation in Canada has been disproportionately affected by the shutdowns during the COVID-19. However, forthcoming infrastructure spending domestically and the U.S. — and an effective coronavirus vaccine — could be an important driver for demand.
QSL operates in more than 40 locations in North America, primarily in eastern Canada. In February, it opened a maritime terminal in Houston.
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