Belgian logistics company Global Transport Solutions Holding (GTS), which specialises in marine spare parts amongst other things, has announced the acquisition of Norwegian 3PL logistics service provider Airsped Logistics.
The 4PL GTS acquired Airsped as part of the buy-and-build strategy, as well as working on three other acquisitions expected to be finalised during the first quarter of 2020.
Michel Loots, CEO of GTS, commented: “We are excited about this acquisition in the Norwegian market. As a 3PL logistics service provider, Airsped has been the logistics partner of Marinetrans in Norway for over 25 years.
“We already worked closely together with regards to warehousing and time-critical logistics via air, ocean and trucking, which made this a logical next step in our collaboration. Having Airsped on board of our logistics group strengthens our position in the Norwegian market and will give GTS more opportunities to service our Norwegian and international customers locally in Norway.”
According to Loots, Airsped and Marinetrans are strongly intertwined and have a long history of mutual cooperation. The combined deal of Airsped and GTS with the support of Waterland Private Equity Investments is an important step for both companies.
He said: “We see great opportunities to grow our combined business in the Norwegian market. This is our first acquisition since we have teamed up with Waterland Private Equity and a first step in our buy-and-build strategy to globally expand and strengthen GTS in marine spare parts and other complex and critical logistics.”
Petter Fausko, CEO of Airsped Logistics commented: “After 36 years of ownership, it feels natural to join GTS and its growth ambitions in marine spare parts and other complex and critical logistics services. I am excited to take part in this adventure and add Airsped’s qualities to the group.”
