It’s time “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.”
SEKO Logistics has started what it’s calling a “transformative year” with its first full acquisition of another independent freight forwarding specialist in its 42-year history.
SEKO announced the purchase of GoodShip International Inc., a Chicago-headquartered customs brokerage and compliance consultancy, on Thursday.
SEKO said the investment represents the latest phase of its program to accelerate its strategic vision by expanding its global footprint, establishing more strategic partnerships and making strategic acquisitions in the forwarding and technology sectors.
“In less than 12 months, this drive has already seen SEKO’s watershed expansion into Mexico and the initial opening of locations in Laredo/Nuevo Laredo, McAllen/Reynosa, Mexico City, Monterrey, Toluca and Queretaro,” Thursday’s announcement said. “Last August, SEKO also announced a new strategic partnership with Hermes Germany, one of the largest players on the European parcel and two-man-handling market and a highly efficient provider of supply chain solutions.
“This was followed in September by the acquisition of a majority shareholding in SEKO’s longstanding strategic partner Omni-Channel Logistics to grow its ecommerce and technology solutions for retailers, pure-play etailers, marketplaces and platforms,” it said.
Founded 24 years ago, GoodShip International provides customs brokerage, compliance, air and ocean freight solutions to a broad diversity of clients, with emphasis on transpacific eastbound cargo movements.
“GoodShip is a perfect example of the type of company we had in mind when we announced our expansion strategy earlier this year,” said SEKO President and CEO James T. Gagne (pictured above left), adding that “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 President Ryan Villiard (pictured above right) said, “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.”
SEKO Logistics acquires GoodShip International
