Kuehne+Nagel has acquired a majority stake in United States marine drayage provider IMC Logistics (IMC). 

It will acquire 51% of the privately held company, and Kuehne+Nagel noted that the IMC brand will be retained.

IMC offers end-to-end transportation solutions to or from seaports or rail hubs, customer facilities and inland in the US.

Kuehne+Nagel said that this investment enhances its access to one of the most important logistics networks in North America and ensures flexible transportation solutions in times of increasing supply chain disruptions.

IMC is headquartered in Collierville, Tennessee and has more than 40 years of experience in providing intermodal solutions for Sea Logistics.

Kuehne+Nagel said it is a longtime partner of IMC, whose US network includes 49 locations with a strategic presence at major US seaports and rail transportation hubs.

The company handles 2 million TEUs annually in intermodal drayage and rail operations, and IMC generated revenue of around US$800 million in 2023.

"The Kuehne+Nagel strategy is based on organic growth supported by targeted bolt-on acquisitions. Asia and North America are the key growth markets for our business, where we have established a leading position which we systematically expand," said Dr Joerg Wolle, chairman of the board of directors of Kuehne+Nagel International AG.

"With IMC in the USA, as with the acquisition of Apex in Asia, we do rely on long-term partnerships. This reduces the acquisition risk and ensures quick success by deepening an already rewarding cooperation."

"Acquiring a majority stake in IMC represents another important strategic step. We are further expanding our leading position in North America for the benefit of our customers and closer cooperation with our partners, particularly the carriers," Wolle added.

Stefan Paul, CEO of Kuehne+Nagel International AG, noted that international sea logistics is a highly complex business with many interfaces and stakeholders, in which US trade flows are of central importance.

He noted that IMC's range of capabilities significantly expands Kuehen+Nagel's service offering and allows us to develop even more attractive solutions for the value chains of our sea freight customers.

Mark H. George, chairman and founder of IMC Logistics, said the partnership with Kuehne+Nagel will elevate the family-founded business to new heights and to grow together.

"Combining our landside container logistics expertise and offering with Kuehne+Nagel's global reach will deliver exceptional services for our customers and create new career growth opportunities for our colleagues," he said.

The transaction is expected to be completed at the beginning of the first quarter of 2025.

Both parties have agreed not to disclose further details of the transaction at this time.

Meanwhile, Kuehne+Nagel said the deal is subject to approval from regulatory authorities and customary closing conditions.