PostNord in logistics deal with Bilfrakt Bothnia
PostNord AB has signed an agreement for the cash acquisition of 100 percent of the shares in Bilfrakt Bothnia AB’s subsidiaries Nordisk Kyl Logistik AB (NKL) and Transbothnia AB, following the transfer of operations to the subsidiaries by Bilfrakt Bothnia. The acquisition broadens the scope of PostNord’s logistics business in Sweden with mixed cargo, consignment goods and thermo.
Bilfrakt Bothnia is one of northern Sweden’s largest logistics and transport companies, handling and transporting freight and goods to, from and within the region. The Bilfrakt businesses that PostNord has signed an agreement to acquire had sales in 2012 of around SEK 1 billion and employ 280 people. For the most part, external haulage contractors are used by the businesses, which have terminals in Luleå, Skellefteå, Umeå, Sundsvall, Östersund and Överkalix.
PostNord’s logistics businesses in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Germany had sales in 2012 of around SEK 14.8 billion, representing over one-third of group sales. PostNord is developing its logistics operations towards becoming the leading player in the Nordic logistics market through measures including further expansion of its product portfolio and increased geographic presence. PostNord’s 2012 acquisitions included Green Cargo’s third-party logistics operations.
- The acquisitions are a complement to PostNord’s existing logistics operations in Sweden and further strengthen the group’s position in the growing Nordic logistics market. We are increasing our presence in a key region and gaining a platform for growth within grocery and industrial logistics, says Henrik Höjsgaard, Head of business area Logistics at PostNord.
The haulage contractors affected by the deal will bring their current business to PostNord. PostNord has had positive experiences with its acquisition of mixed cargo and consignment freight businesses in Norway, where the group has developed long-term relationships with haulage contractors.
- At Bilfrakt, Thermo and Industry operate within a sector that is facing major challenges due to the structural changes that are underway – challenges that other market players are better positioned than we are to handle in the long term. PostNord was a first choice for us – a highly respected operator and a stable, long-term owner with the goal of strengthening its local presence, says Fredrik Persson, President and CEO of Bilfrakt.
The transaction is subject, inter alia, to competition authority approval.
PostNord AB (publ) is required to disclose the above information under the provisions of the Securities Market Act and/or the Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication on April 25, 2013.
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