Hillebrand acquires bulk liquid logistics supplier Braid

Global logistics provider Hillebrand has acquired bulk liquids logistics company Braid, increasing its ability to transport products such as wine, olive oil, juices and edible oils in large volumes.

In a statement, Hillebrand said the acquisition would strengthen its position both as a global logistics service provider for alcoholic beverages, but also for the transport of non-hazardous liquids in bulk.

The acquisition, which has been agreed for an undisclosed sum, is Hillebrand’s third in recent years. In June 2019, it announced the purchase of German transport operator 3W Logistik, while in December it bought US warehouse and transportation business Royal Logistics.

Cees van Gent, CEO and chairman of the executive board of Hillebrand, said: “Braid offers an exciting opportunity for Hillebrand to strengthen its network of services, products, skills, knowledge and teams. With its global reach, wide range of customised logistics solutions in bulk liquids transportation, as well as its manufacturing and technology know-how, the acquisition of Braid supports Hillebrand’s strategy to not only lead the market in logistics services for alcoholic beverages but also for non-hazardous bulk liquids.”

Braid, which was founded in the UK and now operates in 19 countries, will add to Hillebrand’s bulk liquid transport solutions, and will also expand its manufacturing capability with the addition of two facilities in the UK and China.

Hillebrand said the deal would create a “world-leading end-to-end service provider for bulk liquids and one of the largest food-grade ISO tank operators globally.”

Allan Leddra, CEO of Braid, added: “Hillebrand’s acquisition of Braid provides a major growth opportunity for both businesses. The two companies will achieve more as a unit, increasing value for customers, given both companies’ high reputation for providing a leading customer experience in bulk liquids logistics. We also share the same values and culture, so we are confident that our employees will smoothly integrate in the new organisation and will find new growing opportunities within Hillebrand.”

Leddra and the rest of Braid’s management team will join Hillebrand to ensure a successful integration of both businesses. Braid and Hillebrand will continue to be run separately, but over the course of the next year will gradually be brought together.

Hillebrand now operates in 90 countries and has an annual revenue of €1.2 billion.