SEKO Logistics has made the first full acquisition of another independent forwarding specialist in its 42-year history with the purchase of GoodShip International Inc., a customs brokerage and compliance consultancy headquartered in Chicago.

According to SEKO, the investment represents the latest phase of the company’s programme to accelerate its strategic vision by expanding its global footprint, establishing more strategic partnerships and making strategic acquisitions in the forwarding and technology sectors.

“GoodShip is a perfect example of the type of company we had in mind when we announced our expansion strategy earlier this year,” said James T. Gagne, president and CEO of SEKO Logistics. “2018 has been another strong year for SEKO but after 42 years of organic growth, it is time to enhance our strategy to step up to the next level by working with the right types of strategic partners and undertaking acquisitions to enhance our technology, network and capabilities. GoodShip’s customs brokerage and compliance expertise has earned the respect and trust of the company’s customers in Chicago and the Midwest and this will add more depth to what we offer today.”

The addition of GoodShip will also build the capabilities of SEKO’s Chicago gateway by adding a new level of customs brokerage and compliance services. Further expansion of SEKO’s Midwest operations will be announced in the second quarter of 2019.

GoodShip International was founded 24 years ago and provides customs brokerage, compliance, air and ocean freight solutions to a broad diversity of clients with emphasis on eastbound trans-Pacific cargo movements. It has clients in industries including aerospace, automotive, electronics, FMCG, healthcare products, pharma and retail.

“We are genuinely excited by SEKO’s ambition and the pace with which it intends to grow,” said Ryan Villiard, president of GoodShip. “We can clearly see how we fit into SEKO’s business to support its growing portfolio of value-added forwarding solutions. Most significantly, GoodShip’s clients will now have access to the resources and expertise of a single logistics company that possesses a worldwide footprint, key technology differentiators and award-winning forwarding, omni-channel, cross-border e-commerce and white-glove services. This is a great move for our company, our employees and customers.”

Last August, SEKO announced a strategic partnership with Hermes Germany, a specialist in the European parcel and two-man-handling market and a provider of supply chain solutions. In September, SEKO acquired a majority shareholding in longstanding strategic partner Omni-Channel Logistics to grow its e-commerce and technology solutions for retailers, pure-play etailers, marketplaces and platforms.

“The best ways we can add value for our customers will be through service, technology and compliance,” said Gagne. “We are confident in our business model and know we offer demand chain solutions that give our customers international growth opportunities and managed business efficiencies. That’s why we’re ready to talk to potential strategic partners or companies seeking investment or acquisition who believe they can accelerate our growth trajectory.”