The logistics group Kuehne+Nagel is acquiring a majority stake in IMC Logistics (IMC), a leading service provider for intermodal inland logistics in the USA – the acquisition also focuses on transportation to and from the US seaports.
As announced by both companies, Kuehne+Nagel will acquire 51% of the privately held company. IMC reportedly specialises in intermodal transport solutions from seaports on the US coasts and rail hubs to customer locations in the interior of the country. The acquisition provides access to one of the most important logistics networks in North America and ensures flexible transportation solutions in times of increasing supply chain disruptions, Kuehne+Nagel announced. The IMC brand will be retained.
IMC is headquartered in Collierville, Tennessee and is a longtime partner of Kuehne+Nagel. IMC’s national network includes 49 locations with a presence at major US seaports and rail transportation hubs. The company handles two million TEU of intermodal freight annually. With around 1,700 employees and an extensive network of independent contractors, IMC generated revenues of around US$800m in 2023.
Joerg Wolle, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kuehne+Nagel International AG, commented: “Asia and North America are the key growth markets for our business. With the strategic combination of organic growth and complementary acquisitions, we have also established a leading position in these markets, which we are systematically expanding. In doing so, we prefer to focus on partnerships in which we have worked together successfully for many years, such as the acquisition of Apex. This reduces the risk of an acquisition, creates rapid success and represents a deepening of the already successful cooperation. By acquiring a majority stake in IMC, we are taking another important step in our strategy. We are thus further expanding our leading position in North America for our customers and partners, especially shipowners.”
Stefan Paul, CEO of Kuehne+Nagel International AG, emphasised that international sea transport is a highly complex business with many interfaces and participants, in which the US flow of goods is of central importance. “IMC’s range of services significantly expands our offering and allows us to develop and offer even more attractive services for the value chains of our ocean freight customers.”
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. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by the relevant competition authorities.
“We are delighted to continue the successful development of our family business together with Kuehne+Nagel, one of the world’s leading logistics service providers. Our decades of expertise in U.S. inland logistics coupled with Kuehne+Nagel’s global reach creates significant value for our customers and opens up new career opportunities for our employees,” Mark H. George, Chairman and Founder of IMC Logistics.
