GEODIS has announced that it has received the regulatory approvals and officially completed the acquisition of OHL (Ozburn-Hessey Logistics) based in Nashville, Tennessee (USA). OHL is one of the leading 3PL companies in the US, with annual revenue in excess of €1.2 billion. This acquisition is effective from 3 November.

The combined structure will generate a consolidated annual turnover of over €8 billion with more than 38,000 employees and 165,000 customers. With around 400 logistics warehouses in the world, additional freight forwarding capability and enhanced e-fulfillment expertise, GEODIS expands its global footprint and builds a solid platform to better serve its clients.

“The acquisition is a great achievement for GEODIS and a significant step toward our Ambition 2018 strategic plan – to be the global growth partner for our clients,” said Marie-Christine Lombard, CEO of GEODIS. “This acquisition allows us to offer a market leading set of solutions on a global level with enhanced expertise at each phase of the Supply Chain”.

Lombard added: “I’m delighted to welcome Randy Curran, CEO of OHL, as a new member of GEODIS’ Executive Committee. His in-depth knowledge of the US market and global experience will add greatly to our leadership team.”

“The merger of our two companies makes outstanding sense. It’s a great opportunity for OHL and its employees to join GEODIS which is recognised for its high quality service level, professionalism and broad global, logistics capabilities” said Curran. “By offering GEODIS’ European customers our capabilities and opening to our US based customers GEODIS’ global capabilities in the EU and elsewhere, we aim to enhance our existing customer relationships and attract new ones.”

Founded in 1951, OHL is one of the leading 3PL companies in the world, operating more than 120 value-added distribution centers in North America with over 36 million square feet of flexible warehouse space, and providing integrated global supply chain management solutions including transportation, warehousing, customs brokerage, freight forwarding, and import and export consulting services.

Employing over 8,000 transportation and fulfillment professionals, OHL has vast experience in direct-to-consumer fulfillment, serving a wide range of business sectors from specialty retail to manufacturing. OHL specialises in the sectors of apparel, electronics, healthcare, food and beverage, and consumer packaged goods.