Done deals: August 10, 2023

TFI International & JHT Holdings

TFI International Inc. has agreed to acquire JHT Holdings, Inc., an asset-light logistics and transportation provider in North America for Class 6-8 truck manufacturers. Founded in 1933, and based out of Wisconsin, JHT transports new trucks from manufacturing and final assembly plants to dealers and end customers, by driving the customers’ new trucks to their destination. JHT owns and manages a large pool of patented decking equipment requiring a sophisticated reverse logistics process, and its driver capacity is provided through one of the industry’s largest networks of both company and third-party, independent drivers. JHT’s terminal network comprises 25 facilities, of which eight are owned, throughout the U.S. and Canada. Generating annual revenues of more than US $500 million, JHT’s operating margins are consistent with TFI International’s Logistics segment. The transaction is subject to customary closing adjustments and is expected to close during the third quarter.

Canada Cartage & Cam-Scott Transport Ltd

Canada Cartage has acquired Cam-Scott Transport Ltd., a leading provider of temperature-sensitive delivery services based in Whitby, Ontario. With over 150 tractors and 250 reefer trailers, ​​​​Cam-Scott specializes in the food and beverage sector in Ontario, and delivers across Canada and the United States. The company’s head office and main terminal has a 24-door cross-dock, maintenance shop, and office. Cam-Scott has approximately 150 employees comprising drivers, mechanics, and office staff. Canada Cartage has extended employment to all Cam-Scott drivers and staff. Glenn Weddel will be staying on to ensure a smooth transition, and day-to-day operations will be the responsibility of Cam-Scott general manager Stephanie Chandler.

Innovative Fuel Systems Limited & KAG Canada

Innovative Fuel Systems Limited (IFS), an Edmonton-based, privately owned cleantech company that provides conversion kits for diesel trucks, has landed an initial $1M purchase order from KAG Canada (KAG) for IFS’s patent-pending retrofit technology, Multi-Fuel Technology Platform (MFTP). This initial order will commence the first stage of KAG’s deployment of IFS’ MFTP technology on existing HD trucks in Alberta and Ontario. The  MFTP technology to displace diesel fuel with cleaner burning natural gas.

OPEX Corporation vs HC Robotics and Invata

OPEX Corporation recently won its patent dispute over Invata, LLC of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania and HC Robotics of Hangzhou City, China. The International Trade Commission held that Invata and HC Robotics infringed two of OPEX’s patents related to OPEX’s award-winning Sure Sort and Perfect Pick systems and their associated iBOT vehicles. After a full trial, the International Trade Commission concluded that Invata and HC Robotics’ second generation Omnisort system infringes two of OPEX’s U.S. Patent s. The ruling also upheld the validity of OPEX’s patents. The ITC ruling adds to a previous Consent Order, in which Invata and HC Robotics agreed to no longer import or sell their first generation Omnisort systems in the United States.