Panalpina to expand end-to-end produce network

The international freight forwarder and logistics provider will acquire two Belgian perishable transport specialists with a focus on Brussels, Panalpina said in a statement.    Freight forwarding and third-party logistics provider Panalpina will acquire the Belgian perishable transport specialists Adelantex and AD Handling as part of an effort to expand its global end-to-end produce network, the company said in a statement.
   Adelantex handles approximately 75,000 tons of airfreight imports annually and manages ground handling at Brussels Airport, customs clearance and distribution in Europe. Adelantex operates 1,600 square meters of cold storage at Brussels Airport and roughly a quarter of the overall volumes are imported via Liège Airport and Ostend Airport as well.
   Financial details of the deals were not disclosed
   “As the undisputed market leader in perishables air freight imports in Belgium, Adelantex will benefit from Panalpina’s global footprint and leading position in the perishables market to continue to grow and expand internationally,” says Jozef Mergan, CEO and majority shareholder of Adelantex and AD Handling. Mergan will stay on to support Panalpina in further developing its global perishables business, the company said.
   “This latest acquisition in the perishables arena is another example of how we are building our end-to-end capabilities on the destination side in Europe. Adelantex’ ground handling operations in Brussels are best in class and will serve as a blueprint for similar operations in other countries,” said Stefan Karlen, CEO of Panalpina. “On top of that, Adelantex has a solid customer base and significant import volumes from important origin markets across the world. This will allow us to seize opportunities in those markets to further grow our perishables business.”