German freight forwarder Hillebrand this week announced that it has acquired bulk liquid logistics services provider Braid in the U.K.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Hillebrand expects the acquisition of Braid to expand its business in handling nonhazardous bulk liquids, such as wine, olive oil, juices and edible oils.
Braid currently manages a fleet of about 2,500 food-grade ISO (International Standards Organization)-standard tanks. These tanks can be transported internationally by container ship and delivered to customers intermodally.
In addition, Braid manufactures its own flexitanks, or flexible plastic container liners, for nonhazardous liquid bulk transport at its facilities in the U.K. and China. The company claims all components of its flexitanks are “traceable to source, including the polymers.”
Hillebrand is one of the largest specialists in transporting alcoholic beverages and other food-grade liquids throughout the world. The company has 2,300 employees located in 90 countries.
“With its global reach, wide range of customized logistics solutions in bulk liquids transportation, as well as its manufacturing and technology know-how, the acquisition of Braid supports Hillebrand’s strategy to not only lead the market in logistics for alcoholic beverages but also for nonhazardous bulk liquids,” said Hillebrand Chairman and CEO Cees van Gent in a statement.
In the interim, the companies’ bulk liquid services will operate separately, but they will be integrated within the next 12 months, Hillebrand said.
The 175-year-old Hillebrand said it will continue to grow its operations organically and through acquisitions. So far this year, the company has acquired 3W-Logistik of Germany and Royal Logistics in the U.S.
Click for more FreightWaves/American Shipper articles by Chris Gillis.
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