Kuehne + Nagel acquires 75% of Cooltainer
Kuehne + Nagel has acquired 75% of the shares of New Zealand-based Cooltainer, a leading reefer operator. The move follows the acquisition of three South American airfreight forwarders specialised in perishables logistics in January,
Founded in 1967, Cooltainer, headquartered in Christchurch, handles perishable products.
The company’s 45 employees operate a branch network throughout Australia and New Zealand, providing a door-to-door service for temperature sensitive cargo in the South Pacific region.
It covers niche markets such as the Trans-Tasman and Pacific Islands trades.
Peter Ulber, executive vice president, sea & air logistics, Kuehne + Nagel International, said: “New Zealand is of key importance for perishables exports to Australia and the South Pacific Islands.
“We are very pleased to join forces with Cooltainer to further strengthen our regional market position through this strategically focused product offering.
“Cooltainer’s activities ideally complement our operations in Australia and New Zealand and will give us the opportunity to generate synergies to the benefit of our customers.”
Commenting on the news, Cooltainer CEO Stuart Grant said: “We are excited about the opportunities that being part of the worldwide Kuehne + Nagel Group will offer the Cooltainer customers and staff.
“Demand for New Zealand and Australian food products will continue to be strong and the performance of the cool chain service providers is crucial in ensuring exporters achieve maximum return.”
