Transplace Acquires Canadian Logistics Firm

Transplace bought Canadian third-party logistics provider Torus Freight Systems in 2012 and opened offices in Calgary and Montreal in 2014.

“The addition of Lakeside Logistics complements Transplace’s current geographical footprint as well as the company’s mission to deliver outstanding transportation management, intermodal, brokerage and cross-border trade management services to shippers across North America,” said Tom Sanderson, Transplace CEO.

“Joining Transplace gives our current customers access to the company’s broad range of transportation services, logistics technology and deep industry expertise. We look to continue to grow Transplace’s footprint in Canada and provide outstanding service and value to existing and new customers,” added Jeff Moore, Lakeside Logistics CEO.

Transplace CEO Frank McGuigan tells Transport Topics that Moore was looking to take a step back from his business and shopped around for the right partner.

“A couple of our senior folks had a past relationship with Jeff, so we felt very comfortable with him and he felt very comfortable with us. Jeff is going stay close to the business in an advisory position for at least a year,” said McGuigan.

Transplace, which is owned by Greenbrier Equity Group LLC,  specializes in transportation management software, but also intermodal and freight brokerage services and supply chain consulting to manufacturers, retailers and chemical companies. It has 212 offices in nine U.S. states, Mexico and Canada.

Lakeside Logistics will change its name to Transplace and the Oakville, Ontario, office will serve as the Canadian headquarters. The 60 employees will keep their jobs because McGuigan said the acquisition was as much about the people as the profit potential.

“Lakeside Logistics is a perfect fit to support Transplace’s vision to deliver manufacturers, retailers, chemical and CPG companies the optimal blend of logistics technology and transportation management services,” McGuigan said. “Bringing the Lakeside Logistics team on board better positions us to deliver transportation services that fit the intra-Canada and cross-border shipping needs of our customers.”

Transplace ranks No. 15 on the Transport Topics list of top freight brokerage firms. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.