UPS to buy Nightline
UPS has entered into a definitive purchase agreement to buy the Ireland-based Nightline Logistics Group. Commenting on the news, Jim Barber, President, UPS International, said: “Nightline will complement our existing services, increasing delivery density, while also adding innovative new service options. We also look forward to bringing UPS’s extensive healthcare, high-tech and other specialized logistics expertise to the many Irish companies that specialize in these markets.”
Nightline co-founder and CEO, John Tuohy, added: “Over the past 25 years, Nightline has grown to be one of Ireland’s leading privately-owned parcel delivery, freight and logistics companies.
“As we celebrate over two decades in business, this is the right time in the company’s evolution to join the world’s largest parcel delivery company – one with a reputation for taking care of its people and a culture that aligns well with our own. Our customers across Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain will benefit from an even wider reach, enjoying direct connectivity to global export markets, and it will be an important milestone in the company’s growth into the future.”
In addition to its traditional logistics activities, Nightline has its Parcel Motel service which offers a ‘virtual address’ for online shoppers. The service is similar to UPS Access Point Lockers and UPS believes this “creates the potential for network synergies”.
UPS already provides both small package and supply chain services to customers in Ireland, with a full suite of ground, air and ocean freight solutions. The company also operates gateway functions at both the Dublin and Shannon airports.
With the combination of both companies’ operations, UPS will significantly enhance its presence in Ireland, adding more ground sorting capacity and vehicles throughout the country.
UPS added: “Initially, the two brands will operate separately. Over time, the businesses will be integrated and customers of both companies will realize a benefit from the combination.”
Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed and the deal is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval.
