Mullen Group to acquire Cole Group, expanding logistics services

Mullen Group Ltd. has signed a definitive share purchase agreement to acquire Cole Group Inc. and its affiliated companies.

The acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the second quarter. The Cole Group includes Cole International Inc., Abco International Freight Inc. and other related entities.

Headquartered in Canada, the Cole Group employs more than 700 people across 43 locations in Canada and the United States, offering customs brokerage, freight forwarding and trade consulting services.

“Today, we announced that we will be adding another outstanding company to our portfolio of independently managed Business Units,” said Murray K. Mullen, chair and senior executive officer of Mullen Group. “Not only is the Cole Group an industry leader in customs brokerage and trade consulting, which happens to be one of the most talked about issues of the day, they have a sizeable 3PL freight service offering, a service that aligns very closely with our U.S. and international logistics segment. These will be great additions to the Mullen Group.”

Mullen praised Cole Group owner Don Lucky, saying the companies share similar values.

“When I first met the owner of Cole Group, Mr. Don Lucky, it was evident that our companies shared in a very similar set of values – integrity, people focused and customer service as the center piece of the company,” Mullen said. “The Cole Group will continue to be overseen by the current senior leadership team, a very talented and seasoned group, who are supported by over 700 professional associates. Together we will build on the legacy of the founders. I am both delighted and honoured to welcome the Cole Group into our growing organization.”