Levallois Perret, France—August 17, 2015—GEODIS, a European supply chain operator, which is 100 percent owned by SNCF Logistics, entered into an agreement to acquire OHL (Ozburn-Hessey Logistics) for an undisclosed amount.
Founded in 1951, OHL is one of the leading third-party logistics (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.
“We are proud to welcome the customers and employees of OHL to GEODIS, and to provide our global customers with OHL’s expertise and presence in the North American market,” said Marie-Christine Lombard, CEO of GEODIS. “Likewise, GEODIS offers a second-to-none global footprint for North American corporations and the clients of OHL seeking to grow internationally.”
GEODIS is recognized as its clients’ growth partner, offering tailor-made solutions in over 67 countries through its five lines of business: supply chain optimization, freight forwarding, contract logistics, distribution, and express and road transport. With over 120,000 customers and 30,000 employees, GEODIS’s annual revenue amounts to €6.8 billion.
Earlier this year, GEODIS unified its offering under one unique brand: GEODIS. In time, OHL will also be rebranded GEODIS.
Employing over 8,000 transportation and fulfillment professionals, OHL has experience in direct-to-consumer fulfillment, serving a wide range of business sectors from specialty retail to manufacturing. OHL specializes in the sectors of apparel, electronics, healthcare, food and beverage, and consumer packaged goods. OHL’s annual revenue is reported at €1.2 billion.
OHL is currently owned by private equity firm Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe (WCAS). WCAS focuses its investment activity in two target industries: information and business services, and healthcare. Since its founding in 1979, WCAS organized 16 limited partnerships with total capital of over $22 billion.
The closing of this deal will be effective after completion of the usual regulatory approvals. The transaction will be financed with available cash resources, and through existing and new debt arrangements.
