European group swoops for logistics group

Carousel Logistics has acquired time-critical logistics company BDA Logistics Innovation (BDA), which has its UK hub at Birmingham Airport.

The company said the acquisition increases its European coverage and sector experience.

The deal is also a major milestone for Carousel, as it continues to extend its European service and technology platform, Gateway.

It is Carousel’s third acquisition since 2016, the largest in its history, and one which it says will increase the company revenue by more than 50%.

The transaction demonstrates the company’s successful buy, build and partner strategy since receiving investment from private equity firm Livingbridge in 2013.

BDA will be integrated and rebranded as Carousel and Kevin Turner will remain as managing director of the air-bridge division. BDA’s operations, locations and account management teams, will remain unchanged.

Carousel co-founder and group CEO, Graham Martin said: “With an impressive client portfolio and high service levels we have admired BDA for some time, particularly because they share in our belief for delivering exceptional service solutions.

“As the demand for service-logistics continues to grow, it is important that we provide the right technology, network and services that our clients need. By utilising our established technology infrastructure, we can connect the two companies easily, bringing huge benefits to clients and staff alike. We have a great foundation to work from and we look forward to working with BDA and building on our extensive experience together.”

BDA group managing director, Kevin Turner said: “The way in which Carousel has grown so dramatically, has been really impressive to watch in recent years. With a mutual recognition of one another’s strengths, we have held Carousel’s market-leading service and technology platform in high regard for some time, while Carousel has recognised the strength of our infrastructure and client relationships.

“In joining the wider group of companies, we can extend our service portfolio and offer agile technologies, all for benefit of our clients. Plus, with an innovative culture and award-winning commitment to staff training and development, there is also an exciting opportunity for staff too. We can’t wait to get started.”

Global investment bank GCA Altium advised Carousel Logistics on the acquisition.

The team comprised Adrian Reed, Andy Battersby and Durgesh Panchani.

GCA’s Simon Chambers, Shane Dulabdas and Freddie Light also provided debt refinancing advice on the deal.

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