Leman acquires U.K. freight forwarder Maru

The corporate merger of Danish third-party logistics provider Leman International Transport and United Kingdom-based Maru International is expected to be complete by Jan. 1, 2018, with Jesper Thygesen of Leman U.K. continuing as managing director.    Danish third-party logistics provider Leman International Transport Ltd. has made its third acquisition of a United Kingdom-based company in two years, this time purchasing freight forwarding company Maru International Ltd., Leman confirmed Sept. 5.
   “Maru is a strong company founded on high quality and a great product portfolio that complements Leman’s current activities in the U.K.,” Leman Group CEO Thomas Krøyer said of the purchase. “Now we can offer a significantly improved and solid set-up across the U.K. – from southern England to Scotland in the north.
   “Leman becomes more attractive to customers throughout the U.K. as well as to partners and agents in the rest of Europe and beyond,” Krøyer explained.
   Maru is the third acquisition in the U.K. in under two years, following the October 2015 purchase of European road freight transport company Dalpa International and the August 2015 acquisition of RSH Freight Master Ltd.
   “It was important for us to find the right partner – a strong company with a strong vision –that can help the growth of Maru and ensure the company’s continued development,” Maru co-owner Vaughan Woolfitt said in a statement. “We are convinced that the merger will bring many benefits to both existing and future customers as well as our employees.”
   The corporate merger is expected to be complete by Jan. 1, 2018, according to the companies, with Jesper Thygesen of Leman U.K. continuing as Managing Director. Both Woolfitt and fellow co-owner Joe Hemingway are expected to continue with the company after the acquisition in roles that as yet have not been specified.