03
March
2005
|
01:52
Europe/Berlin

Kuehne + Nagel strengthens UK structure through acquisition of Wm. Martin & Co (Marine) Ltd.

In order to further strengthen its position in the wine and spirits logistics market Kuehne + Nagel UK has acquired the book of business of Wm. Martin & Co (Marine) Ltd. The deal will provide Kuehne + Nagel with a Scottish base from which to continue growth, and follows the successful integration of Seabrook & Smith into the company’s wine and spirits division two years ago.

The acquisition is seen by Kuehne + Nagel as a unique opportunity to combine the extensive experience of Wm. Martin with its own global logistics network to make Kuehne + Nagel one of the largest players in Scotland.

Based in Glasgow, Wm. Martin was established in 1947 and has become the largest independent Freight Forwarding company in Scotland, providing multi-modal services.

The company, which has an annual turnover of over 40m CHF, is known well beyond the whisky industry as one of the leading logistics specialists in Scotland.

Peter Ulber, Chief Executive of Kuehne + Nagel UK, states “The acquisition of Wm. Martin is an important factor in our strategy for continued growth and will enable Kuehne + Nagel to reinforce its position as one of the leading players in the wine and spirits logistics market, while considerably strengthening our presence in Scotland.“

Joe Hanlon from Wm. Martin, who will manage the new business deal for Kuehne + Nagel, agrees. “The IT strength and global reach of Kuehne + Nagel, coupled with the extensive experience of Wm. Martin, will certainly bring additional value to our customers.“sue.brough@kuehne-nagel.com