Posted on September 4, 2024
Scan Global Logistics (SGL) continues its growth path in Latin America with the acquisition of Blu Logistics Brasil (Blu). The largest country in South America, Brazil is the world’s eighth-largest economy, holding immense potential for the global logistics provider. Blu Logistics was founded in 2013 and quickly established itself as a leading freight forwarder in Brazil, and boasting impressive growth rates of 27% and 47% in the last two years alone.
After the approval of Brazilian Competition Authorities, Scan Global Logistics has completed the acquisition of Blu Logistics Brasil Transportes Internacionais LTDA in Brazil. Headquartered in São Paulo, employing more than 200 people across eight offices, Blu generated yearly revenue of BRL 570m in 2023. As one of Brazil’s leading freight forwarders, with a second largest in ocean freight import. Blu offers complete air and ocean freight services including customs clearance, trucking and cabotage.
Allan Melgaard, Global CEO SGL, elaborates on how the acquisition of Blu fits into the growing company’s growth strategy in Latin America:
‘Growing our presence in Latin America has been a priority for us for a while, and we are excited to add Brazil to our growing footprint through the acquisition of Blu. The company’s operational platform will help pave the way for SGL to establish a strategic presence in Brazil and expand our global reach, benefiting our valued customers. Importantly, Blu brings comprehensive industry expertise and local insights and provides us with a strengthened network in Latin America. We are very confident that bringing Blu onboard will support scaling our business and strengthening our offerings to new and existing customers.’
Gabriel Carvalho, CEO of Blu Logistics Brasil, adds:
‘In SGL, we have found a match in our customer-centric and solution-driven approach, which will benefit our customers extensively. We will continue to provide the personalised service customers are used to but simultaneously increase our focus on expanding our market position in Brazil and growing additional trade lanes, particularly from Europe and North America.’
The acquisition of Blu is a significant investment for SGL and will provide SGL with a robust operational platform, allowing the global logistics provider to expand its regional footprint and offer enhanced services to customers worldwide.
Strengthening new and existing Latin American markets
Within the last years, SGL has rapidly expanded its footprint in the region through a combination of new market entries, expansions and acquisitions. Currently operating in Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru, and Mexico, adding Brazil fortifies its presence in one of the world’s emerging regions with significant economic and developmental potential and a unique geographical position relative to the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe.
Jörn Schmersahl, CEO for Latin America, says: ‘We are investing in building a strong Latin America region and presence. Besides a significant Intra-Latam trade, the region provides great opportunities for growth with North America due to existing free trade agreements, but also has strong and growing links with Asia and Europe. By expanding our regional network and expertise we offer improved opportunities to our customers with comprehensive transport solutions that fit their needs – within the region and beyond.’
About Scan Global Logistics
Scan Global Logistics has a defined purpose of uncomplicating the world of logistics every day. As a full-service logistics provider, the company has a global track record to prove it. SGL offers end-to-end logistics solutions with a broad range of services across air, ocean, rail, road, warehousing or any combination thereof.
Deeply rooted in the company’s DNA is a ‘can-do-attitude’ to see every challenge as an opportunity to do more, better, and learn. With a global network spanning six continents and over 3600 employees across +180 offices, the company works closely together to offer worldwide customised solutions. While doing so, SGL insists on creating a meaningful workplace rooted in the company’s guiding virtues of Respect, Integrity, Entrepreneurship and Fun. For further information, visit www.scangl.com and LinkedIn.
About Blu Logistics Brasil
Blu Logistics Brasil has been in the country for more than 10 years, has 8 of its own offices and over 200 employees. The company specializes in the international transport of import and export cargo, as well as offering additional logistics services for the complete supply chain, such as cargo insurance, customs clearance, road transport, terminals, warehousing and cabotage.
For more information, visit www.blulogistics.com.br.
