Kuehne + Nagel expands in perishables logistics

With the acquisition of CFI, Commodity Forwarders, a major airfreight forwarder of perishables products in the USA, and Trillvane, one of the largest perishables specialists in Kenya, Kuehne + Nagel expands its global perishables network by adding more than 150,000 tons of perishables.

CFI, 1974 established by Alfred Kuehlewind as one-man office in Los Angeles shipping strawberries to Europe, today operates 14 locations throughout the United States including Alaska and Hawaii with more than 700 employees. The company is specialised in airfreight export and import as well as distribution of seafood, all kinds of agricultural products, flowers and greens. Alfred Kuehlewind, Founder and CEO of CFI: “We are looking forward to become part of the Kuehne + Nagel Group. The planned transaction will offer us new growth perspectives and access to a global logistics network. Both companies’ customers will benefit from an extended service scope.”

The acquisition of Trillvane, Kenya, will enable Kuehne + Nagel to strengthen its position in perishables operations between Kenya and Europe, in particular to the UK. With its 130 employees Trillvane is specialised in the export of flowers and vegetables. Its location at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi provides easy and quick access to all major airlines allowing for later cut-offs and shorter transit times leading to both cost savings and optimal handling of temperature sensitive goods.

Yngve Ruud, member of the Management Board of Kuehne + Nagel International AG, responsible for Airfreight Logistics: “The two acquisitions mark another important step in our global perishable logistics strategy. These two transactions further strengthen and expand our fresh chain network connecting key production countries to major consumer markets. The business potential in the steadily growing global perishable sector is huge. Based on our dedicated network – by now the largest in the logistics industry for perishables – and globally integrated IT systems we can scale business opportunities and accelerate our growth in this sector with end-to-end transparency. At the same time, we improve our global and national positioning in airfreight. Together with CFI Kuehne + Nagel becomes the number 2 airfreight forwarder in the United States and the acquisition of Trillvane confirms our leading position in Kenya.”

All parties agreed not to disclose the purchase price. Both transactions are subject to customary closing conditions and to clearance by the competent merger control authorities.

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