3PL news: Agility acquires Trafinsa, expands presence in Mexico
Jeff Berman, Group News Editor -- Logistics Management, 5/29/2009
MEXICO CITY—Agility, (formerly PWC Logistics), a global provider of integrated supply chain services, has acquired Mexico-based freight forwarder Trafinsa S.A. de C.V. and its U.S. affiliate Trafinsa International LLC.
Financial terms of the acquisition, which closed at the end of April, were not disclosed. The relationship between Agility and Trafinsa dates back to 1986.
Trafinsa has four branches in Guadalajara, Monterrey, Laredo (Texas), and Mexico City, according to Agility officials. Its service offerings are comprised of cargo management, air and ocean export, handling, deconsolidation and documentation for multiple industries, including cement, food, brewery, and automotive.
An Agility spokesman told LM in an interview that the company was looking to strengthen its capabilities in Mexico and, “given its longstanding relationship with Trafinsa and their extensive capabilities in the market, it was a natural fit.”
In terms of the anticipated benefits of this deal, the Agility spokesman cited how Trafinsa has long provided cargo management, air and ocean export, handling, deconsolidation and documentation services and also has solid relationships with many local companies.
“By merging operations, we can provide our customers seamless service to and from Mexico, as well as access to extensive industry-specific expertise in various industries,” said the spokesman.“Agility will leverage Trafinsa’s solid knowledge of the local market and its presence in Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara to offer its global customers personalized quality services in Mexico. Agility will also enable Trafinsa to offer a wider range of services to its existing customers.”
Prior to this transaction, Agility’s presence in Mexico consisted of a small office focused mostly on marine services.
The Agility spokesman saidthe transaction will enable Trafinsa employees to pursue numerous opportunities and grow its business significantly, adding that all existing resources are needed to support the growth and the staff is expected to grow beyond its current level.
“The merger reflects Agility’s continuing commitment to Latin America,” said Eduardo Porter, CEO, Trafinsa, in a statement. “Together, our priority is to offer clients personalized service and practical solutions for their day-to-day freight forwarding operations both here in Mexico and abroad.”
View All On-Demand Webcasts