Rhenus acquires forwarder Avant

The German third-party logistics provider expands presence in Ireland.    The Irish subsidiary of Holzwickede, Germany-based third-party logistics provider the Rhenus Group has acquired Avant Air and Sea, the companies said in a joint statement last week.
   Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Dublin, Avant Air and Sea is a freight forwarder specializing in the transport of temperature-controlled cargoes and hazardous materials. The firm also has branch offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong.
   The purchase, terms of which were not disclosed, will allow Rhenus to expand its presence in Ireland.
   “Avant Air and Sea is a company with a strong focus on customer relations as well as providing important services for the air and sea freight sector and it will make an important contribution to the ongoing growth of the Rhenus Group,” said Jörn Schmersahl, managing director of Rhenus Air and Ocean Europe.
   Avant Air and Sea Managing Director David Warren said the takeover by Rhenus “will enable us to continue developing our services for our existing and future customers due to its global network and its comprehensive expertise.”