Supply chain specialist Seko Logistics has made its first full acquisition of an independent freight forwarding company with the purchase of GoodShip International, a Chicago-based customs brokerage and compliance consultancy.
The investment represents the latest phase of Seko’s program to expand its global footprint, establish more strategic partnerships and make strategic acquisitions in the forwarding and technology sectors.
In the past year Seko has expanded into Mexico and strengthened its position in Europe through a new strategic partnership with Hermes Germany. This was followed in September 2019 by the acquisition of a majority shareholding in Seko’s long-standing strategic partner Omni-Channel Logistics.
James T Gagne, president and CEO, Seko Logistics, said, “GoodShip is a perfect example of the type of company we had in mind when we announced our expansion strategy earlier this year. 2018 has been another strong year for Seko, but after 42 years of organic growth 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’s customs brokerage and compliance expertise has earned the respect and trust of the company’s customers in Chicago and the Midwest and this will add more depth to what we offer today.”
The addition of GoodShip International will also build the capabilities of Seko’s Chicago Gateway, which offers support to international shippers, by adding a new level of customs brokerage and compliance services. Further expansion of Seko’s Midwest operations will be announced in Q2 2019.
Ryan Villiard, president of GoodShip, added, “We are genuinely excited by Seko’s ambition and the pace with which it intends to grow. 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, omnichannel, cross-border e-commerce and ‘white glove’ services. This is a great move for our company, our employees and our customers.”