Canadian maritime terminal operator QSL has bought out Groupe Robert’s stake in Transport Watson & Sycamore to become full owner of the heavy-haul trucking company based near Montreal.
Quebec-based QSL announced the transaction on Tuesday without disclosing a price. The terminal operator and Groupe Robert, one of Canada’s largest trucking and logistics companies, jointly acquired Quebec-based Watson in 2018.
“I would like to thank Groupe Robert for enabling us to bring this acquisition project to a smooth landing,” QSL President and CEO Robert Bellisle said in a statement. “Their support over the past two years has been essential in familiarizing us with the road transportation industry, which enhances our offer in the entire transportation logistics sector.”
Bellisle noted that the acquisition has already allowed QSL to expand its services beyond operating terminals and stevedoring. “Thanks to the know-how of Transport Watson & Sycamore, we can, for example, load ships with wind turbine blades, unload them onto our trucks and deliver them to their destination,” he said.
Transport Watson and Sycamore has a fleet of more than 100 vehicles and 120 employees. In addition to providing heavy-haul and oversized transportation services, the carrier also designs customized trailers.
Heavy-haul transportation in Canada has been disproportionately affected by the shutdowns during the COVID-19. However, forthcoming infrastructure spending domestically and the U.S. — and an effective coronavirus vaccine — could be an important driver for demand.
QSL operates in more than 40 locations in North America, primarily in eastern Canada. In February, it opened a maritime terminal in Houston.
Click for more FreightWaves articles by Nate Tabak
Foreign sourcing to delay Canada COVID-19 vaccine distribution
COVID-19 vaccine distribution could start in mid-December, official says
Rookie trucker held after CBP finds pot in Texas-bound pork shipment
Supply Chain AI Symposium
Past the hype. Join operators, founders, and enterprise leaders figuring out how to deploy AI in supply chain.
F3: Future of Freight Festival
Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
Past the hype. Join operators, founders, and enterprise leaders figuring out how to deploy AI in supply chain.
The Old Post • Chicago, IL Register NowIndustry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now