Logistics & Distribution Acquisitions in 2018

Pilot Freight Services has acquired Manna Freight Systems, a Mendota Heights, Minnesota-based final-mile logistics provider, to expand its last-mile and heavy/hard-to-handle (H3D) delivery capabilities, particularly for furniture and appliances. The deal brings Manna's team and technology into Pilot's operations and increases Pilot's domestic footprint and service offering; financial terms were not disclosed.

International private equity firm Cinven has signed an agreement to acquire Envirotainer, a Stockholm‑headquartered provider of active temperature‑controlled air cargo containers used to ship biopharma products. Cinven cited Envirotainer's market leadership and strong growth prospects and plans to support global expansion by investing in technology, fleet growth and its service network; financial terms were not disclosed.

New Orleans-based Imperial Trading Company has purchased the stock of GRAD Inc., the parent of S. Abraham & Sons (SAS Distributing), expanding Imperial's footprint into the Midwest. The combined company will operate across 20 states with about 1,000 employees and serve more than 5,000 retailers, strengthening Imperial's distribution, marketing and technology capabilities for convenience stores.