22
March
2011
|
06:38
Europe/Berlin

Further expansion in the field of perishables logistics

Following the acquisition of three South American airfreight forwarders specialised in perishables logistics in January, Kuehne + Nagel has now entered into an agreement to acquire 75 per cent of the shares of New Zealand based Cooltainer, a leading reefer operator.

Founded in 1967, Cooltainer, headquartered in Christchurch, brings with it in-depth knowledge and experience in handling perishable products. Its 45 employees operate a dedicated branch network throughout Australia and New Zealand. Cooltainer provides a comprehensive door-to-door service for temperature sensitive cargo (e.g. fruits, meat, frozen vegetables and meals) in the South Pacific region. It covers very successfully niche markets such as the Trans-Tasman and Pacific Islands trades, and offers customers a variety of different sailing opportunities and a reliable supply of equipment. 

“New Zealand is of key importance for perishables exports to Australia and the South Pacific Islands,” said Peter Ulber, Executive Vice President Sea & Air Logistics, Kuehne + Nagel International AG. “We are very pleased to join forces with Cooltainer to further strengthen our regional market position through this strategically focused product offering. Cool-tainer’s activities ideally complement our operations in Australia and New Zealand and will give us the opportunity to generate synergies to the benefit of our customers.”

“We are excited about the opportunities that being part of the worldwide Kuehne + Nagel Group will offer the Cooltainer customers and staff,” said Stuart Grant, CEO and shareholder of Cooltainer. “Demand for New Zealand and Australian food products will continue to be strong and the performance of the cool chain service providers is crucial in ensuring exporters achieve maximum return.”