Maersk is on the acquisition trail – and further diversification is clearly the objective.
The company recently reached an agreement with Bridgepoint Development Capital to acquire KGH Customs Services (KGH), a Sweden-based specialist in trade and customs management services in Europe. It has frequently stated its intention to become an integrated container logistics company, offering end-to-end supply chain solutions to its customers, and this is another step in that direction.
KGH has a strategy focused on digital solutions and technology as an enabler for a more seamless customer experience, which also corresponds with Maersk’s own digital transformation journey, according to a statement.
“There are no end-to-end solutions without customs clearance,” says Vincent Clerc, CEO of Ocean & Logistics at A.P. Moller - Maersk. “With KGH, we will be able to strengthen our capabilities within customs services and related consultancy, but also reach more of our customers in Europe through a larger geographical footprint and digital solutions that will enhance our ability to meet our customers´ end-to-end supply chain needs. We achieve all this in one go instead of having to build our expertise through multiple acquisitions,” says Clerc.
The closing of the acquisition is subject to customary regulatory approvals. Until then, Maersk and KGH remain two separate companies and thus will do their business as usual.
