US supply chain services company OIA Global has extended its European network to Ireland with the acquisition of Dublin-based multimodal freight forwarder Sandford Freight.
OIA Global said the acquisition is strategically important because Ireland is a key market for the electronics, healthcare, retail and lifestyle industries that it does business in.
Jeff Barrie, chief executive of Portland, Oregon-headquartered OIA Global, stated: “We are delighted to welcome Sandford Freight into the OIA Global organisation. The acquisition aligns with our long-term growth strategy to support our customer’s diverse networks, providing reliable local support.
“Sandford Freight has an impressive presence in Ireland, and the team has a long history of supporting the unique needs of customers in the electronics, healthcare, and retail and lifestyle vertical markets.”
Youssef Annali, chief financial officer of OIA Global, added: “This strategic acquisition enhances our competitive strength and underscores our commitment to sustained growth, network expansion, investments in growth verticals, and high-touch customer service.”
Brían Falvey, managing director of Sandford Freight, said: “Having spent the last 45 years as a privately owned and managed independent forwarder, Sandford Freight and all our valued staff are to become part of an exciting new adventure presenting many new opportunities within transportation services, contract logistics, packaging design, raw material management, and technology solutions with OIA Global, who are leaders in supply chain management.”
The acquisition now means OIA Global has a presence in 27 countries, with over 50 owned offices worldwide.