Logistics & Distribution Acquisitions in Canada

Freedom Pet Supplies, a Novacap portfolio company, has acquired Trueman Distribution Ltd., a long-standing pet products distributor headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. The add-on purchase gives Freedom Pet a Western Canada hub as part of its strategy to build a truly national distribution network across Canada.

Alliance Solution Group, a Novacap portfolio company, has acquired Intramodal Warehouses to expand its warehousing footprint in Quebec. The add-on expands Alliance’s food-grade warehousing capacity (over 500,000 sq. ft. on the Island of Montreal) and creates operational synergies with Alliance’s IntraPAK repackaging division to better serve food and beverage customers across Canada.

Kenco, a U.S.-based third-party logistics provider, has acquired Drexel Industries' 3PL business, including four warehouses and roughly 100 associates in London, Ontario. The acquisition expands Kenco's Canadian footprint and adds co-packing and co-filling capabilities to its service offering.

Purolator, Inc. has acquired Livingston International, a Toronto-headquartered customs brokerage, freight forwarding and trade consulting firm, from Platinum Equity. Financial terms were not disclosed; Livingston (founded 1945) employs roughly 2,700 people and is Canada’s largest customs broker. Platinum Equity acquired Livingston in 2019 and has overseen a multi-year transformation of the business.

BrightOrder has acquired Spark Technology Labs, the developer of the CloudHawk RTLS-powered fleet and asset-tracking platform. The purchase will let BrightOrder integrate Spark Technology Labs' real‑time tracking capabilities into its AI-enabled fleet maintenance and telematics offerings to enhance service reliability, reduce downtime, and expand capability for fleet customers.

SeaFort Capital has made a majority investment in GHY International, a Winnipeg-headquartered customs brokerage and trade compliance services provider, with Winnipeg-based Jessiman Family Investments joining as a co-investor. GHY's Co-CEO Richard Riess will retain significant equity, the existing senior executive team will remain in place, and the company plans to pursue organic growth and acquisitions supported by SeaFort and new financing from Bank of Montreal.

TFI International has acquired Keystone Western, a Manitoba-based asset-based logistics provider specializing in truckload and less-than-truckload (LTL) services across Canada and the United States. Founder and CEO Norm Curtis sold the company to TFI; Keystone Western will gain access to TFI's resources, expanded equipment and a broader North American network.

GreyLion Partners has made an equity investment in Birdseye Security Solutions, the Mississauga-based provider of AI-enabled remote video monitoring and logistics yard supervision. The capital — Birdseye's first institutional investment since its 2011 founding — will support the company's growth and scaling across transportation, automotive and warehousing end-markets.

Metro Supply Chain Inc. has acquired Quick Contractors, a North American managed network of independent contractors and installers. Quick Contractors will operate as a specialty service within Metro Supply Chain's Last-Mile Transportation Solutions to expand the combined company's home delivery and installation capabilities for retailers and consumers.

Gardewine Group Limited Partnership has entered into a definitive share purchase agreement to acquire Westman Courier & Freight, a Winnipeg-based regional courier and trucking operator. The deal, expected to close October 1, 2024, expands Gardewine's service network across Manitoba and into northwestern Ontario and gives Westman customers access to Gardewine's broader transportation, logistics and terminal network.

Montreal-based TFI International has acquired two Canada-based carriers, CMW Express and its sister company FRL Express, expanding its TL and LTL footprint across Quebec, the Maritimes, Ontario and the eastern U.S. Terms were not disclosed; the deals are described as tuck-in add-ons as TFI continues a spree of smaller regional acquisitions while integrating prior larger deals.

TDL Gentek has acquired Microcel, a Canadian full-service distributor of consumer technology brands, from Atar Capital. The transaction closed on July 17 and positions TDL Gentek to expand and enhance its consumer goods distribution capabilities in Canada.

Distribution Solutions Group, through its operating company Lawson Products and affiliate Lawson Products Canada, agreed to acquire Source Atlantic Limited, a Canadian wholesale distributor of industrial MRO supplies, safety products, fasteners and value‑added services. The transaction, expected to close in Q3 2024, expands DSG's Canadian footprint by combining Source Atlantic's eastern Canadian presence with Bolt Supply's western operations and is expected to be immediately accretive to DSG's adjusted EPS.

Imperial Dade has acquired Pro-Tech Sanitation, Ltd., a janitorial supplies distributor serving Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The acquisition expands Imperial Dade Canada's footprint in the Atlantic provinces and brings Pro-Tech's employees and founder Chris Hagerman onto the Imperial Dade platform; financial terms were not disclosed.

Canada-based Wellington Group of Companies has acquired Contract Express, expanding Wellington's brokerage, truckload and LTL services across the U.S. and Canada. Terms were not disclosed; Wellington said it will preserve Contract Express's brand and operations while adding buying power and support from the larger group.

TruckPro, through its wholly‑owned subsidiary Crane Carrier (Canada) Limited, acquired the Transaxle Parts group of companies, expanding TruckPro's heavy‑duty truck and trailer parts distribution and repair footprint in the Greater Toronto Area. Transaxle operates five locations in the Toronto, Ontario market; Transaxle owners Tom Neelin and Gary Zwygers will continue to lead day‑to‑day operations following the acquisition.

Rehrig Pacific Company has acquired QTEK Design, a provider of pallet handling and dispensing machinery, to integrate QTEK’s automation products (including the RFID-enabled DStacker) into Rehrig’s material‑handling and supply‑chain solutions. The purchase expands Rehrig Pacific’s product and technology capabilities to improve warehouse efficiency across end markets such as cold storage, retail, and pharmaceuticals.

Source Energy Services Ltd. (TSX:SHLE) acquired RWR Trucking Inc.'s sand trucking assets, including a fleet of 27 tractors and 52 trailers, in a transaction comprised of cash, a vendor take back note, and assumed lease obligations. The deal brings key RWR drivers, dispatchers and support personnel into Source to strengthen its Last Mile Logistics capabilities and support frac sand distribution to oil and gas customers.

Calgary-based last-mile delivery startup Ziing has acquired Metroland Parcel Services (MPS) from TorStar Corp. The acquisition, which closed February 20, adds 41 employees, 17 service partners and hundreds of contractors to Ziing as it expands its Canadian delivery network and scales its co-load and distribution capabilities.

Warehouse On Wheels (WOW), a portfolio company of Wind Point Partners, has acquired the storage trailer rental operations of BenLea Leasing Inc., a Cambridge, Ontario-based trailer rental and maintenance provider. The add-on expands WOW's presence in the Greater Toronto Area and represents the platform's twenty-first acquisition since partnering with Wind Point.

Imperial Dade has acquired Les Produits Sanitaires Royal Net, a 35-year Quebec-based distributor of janitorial supplies, paper and packaging products. The acquisition expands Imperial Dade’s Canadian footprint and strengthens its service and product offering in Quebec; financial terms were not disclosed.

Mullen Group Ltd. has acquired Richmond, British Columbia-based ContainerWorld Forwarding Services Inc., adding a leading beverage-alcohol-focused logistics provider to its network. ContainerWorld will operate as an independent, wholly owned subsidiary, with founder Dennis Chrismas remaining in his role; the business is expected to generate roughly CAD 150 million in annualized revenue and expand Mullen's reach in Western Canada.

Metro Supply Chain Inc. has entered into an agreement to acquire SCI Group Inc. from Canada Post Corporation and Purolator Holdings Ltd., strengthening Metro's position as a leading North American strategic contract logistics provider. The acquisition adds new verticals and capabilities (including expanded e-commerce and sector coverage) to Metro's offering, and SCI's CEO Chris Galindo will remain with the combined entity.

Canada Cartage Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire The GTI Group, a Montreal-based logistics provider offering brokerage, freight management, forwarding, drayage, intermodal, warehousing and specialized heavy/oversize trucking. The deal expands Canada Cartage’s service capabilities and marks its first entry into the U.S. market, with GTI’s U.S. offices in Houston, Des Moines and Franklin, Tennessee; the combined company is expected to generate over C$1 billion in annual revenue.

Imperial Dade has acquired Ralik, a Blainville, Quebec-based distributor of paper goods, packaging materials and janitorial supplies. The deal is an add-on to Imperial Dade's Canadian platform and represents the company's 72nd acquisition under current leadership; financial terms were not disclosed.

TorQuest Partners has completed an investment in Brimich Logistics, a family-owned third-party logistics and supply chain management provider based in Brantford, Ontario. The Fergus family will remain significant shareholders as TorQuest partners with management to expand Brimich's capacity and capabilities in Southern Ontario.

Mullen Group Ltd. has entered into a share purchase agreement to acquire B. & R. Eckel's Transport Ltd., a Bonnyville, Alberta-based trucking and logistics operator. The acquisition, funded from Mullen's cash and credit lines, adds 16 facilities, a fleet of ~400 power units and over 950 trailers, ~420 employees and approximately $85.0 million in annualized revenue, expanding Mullen's presence in Northeastern Alberta and energy-focused hauling capabilities.

NFI, a North American supply chain solutions provider, has acquired SDR Distribution Services to expand its Canadian footprint and double its distribution presence in Canada. The acquisition brings additional fashion and retail customers to NFI and expands its presence in Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver, reinforcing NFI's position as one of Canada's largest warehousing and distribution businesses.

EFL Global has acquired Locher Evers International (LEI), a long-standing, family-owned Canadian logistics company that provides freight forwarding, customs brokerage, warehousing, trucking and related services. The deal expands EFL's footprint in Canada and strengthens its end-to-end logistics capabilities for customers across multiple industries.

Westcap Mgt. Ltd., through its MBO III Investment LP buyout fund, completed an investment in 18 Wheels Holdings Limited Partnership, a Burnaby-based third-party logistics (3PL) provider. The investment is intended to support succession planning and national / North American growth, expanding 18 Wheels' warehousing, transportation, co-packing and reverse logistics capabilities.

TFI International has acquired Axsun Group, a Montreal‑based provider of intermodal, drayage, freight brokerage and warehousing services. The acquisition strengthens TFI's logistics and intermodal capabilities across Canada and the U.S.; Axsun will continue to be led by President and CEO Steve Ramescu and join TFI’s Logistics segment.

MiddleGround Capital, a Lexington, Kentucky-based private equity firm, has acquired HLC, Inc., a North American distributor of bicycle parts and accessories headquartered in Lévis, Quebec (with operations in the U.S.). MiddleGround intends to grow HLC as a platform business by expanding geographic reach and investing in technology and infrastructure while HLC's president Pat McGinnis remains in day-to-day control.

Krystal Growth Partners has acquired a majority interest in Joto Imaging Supplies and named Phil DeSerres as President. Joto, founded in 1989 and headquartered in Coquitlam, British Columbia, is a North American B2B leader in distribution of dye sublimation supplies with five distribution locations across Canada and the United States.

SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc. completed its acquisition of Linzel Distributing, a Hamilton, Ontario-based wholesale distributor of outdoor lighting and landscape supplies. The deal expands SiteOne's presence in Canada and adds Linzel's product expertise and customer programs to SiteOne's national distribution network.

Hillcore Group has completed the acquisition of Porter Warehousing & Distribution, a Western Canadian 3PL operator based in Edmonton, Alberta. The acquisition expands Hillcore's logistics and industrial capabilities by adding Porter’s warehousing, pick-and-pack fulfillment and WMS-enabled services to its portfolio.

Hillcore Group has completed the acquisition of Active Warehousing Inc., a Edmonton-headquartered third-party logistics and transloading provider specializing in forestry and energy sectors. The deal expands Hillcore’s logistics platform footprint and adds rail-siding transload capabilities and warehousing capacity in the Edmonton market.

Trinity Industries, Inc. has acquired Quasar Platform Inc., an end-to-end rail logistics software platform, from Cando Rail & Terminals Ltd. The purchase, which closed on May 26, enhances Trinity’s Trinsight digital product suite by adding yard management, activity-based costing and new data visualization capabilities; Trinity will retain Quasar’s employees.

Hillcore Group has completed the acquisition of MTE Logistix, one of Western Canada’s largest third-party logistics (3PL) providers. MTE operates more than 3.5 million sq. ft. of warehouse space across Edmonton and Calgary and serves 150+ clients across food & beverage, building materials, healthcare and industrial end markets; Hillcore said the deal is part of a plan to build a national logistics platform and expand MTE's footprint by ~1.5 million sq. ft.

Lineage Logistics has agreed to acquire VersaCold Logistics Services from TorQuest Partners and its co-investors IMCO and OPTrust, expanding Lineage’s temperature-controlled network in Canada. VersaCold operates 24 temperature-controlled facilities and an asset-based transportation network across nine provinces; financial terms were not disclosed and the deal closed in 2022.

AFS Logistics has acquired DTA Services, Ltd., a 102-year-old Toronto-based freight bill audit and pay firm. The acquisition expands AFS's capabilities and footprint in the Canadian market, adding freight audit/pay, LTL, parcel cost management and transportation management services.

American Trailer World (ATW) has acquired Marius Garon, Inc., a Quebec City–based distributor and retailer of trailer parts and towing accessories. The acquisition adds Marius Garon to ATW’s TexTrail Trailer Parts distribution portfolio to expand ATW’s Canadian footprint and strengthen its parts and accessories distribution network.

Andlauer Healthcare Group Inc. (AHG) has completed its acquisition of 100% of Logistics Support Unit (LSU) Inc. for approximately $30 million, paid via the issuance of 154,639 subordinate voting shares and about $22.5 million in cash. LSU is a Canada-based third-party logistics provider specializing in pharmaceutical, medical and biotechnology warehousing, distribution and order management and is the exclusive distributor of immunizing agents for Québec's public health system.

Fastfrate Group has acquired United Transfer Limited, a Saskatoon-based transportation and warehousing company, effective February 3, 2022. The acquisition expands Fastfrate's footprint in Saskatchewan (Saskatoon and Regina), enhances its intra-West services and final-mile offerings, and follows a prior partnership between the two companies; United Transfer was owned by Paul Glover and Paul Rigby prior to the transaction.

Canada Cartage has acquired Laurentien Transport, a Bois-des-Filion, Quebec-based dedicated contract carrier specializing in refrigerated freight for grocery, pharmaceutical, food & beverage and retail customers. The deal expands Canada Cartage's scale and service capabilities in Quebec and strengthens its dedicated refrigerated transportation offering.

Banyan Capital Partners has made a growth investment in Innovative Surface Solutions LP, a distributor of liquid surface solutions headquartered in Ajax, Ontario. Banyan will partner with CEO and majority owner Greg Baun (who will retain a significant stake) to support the company's next phase of growth across North America.

DexKo Global's wholly-owned subsidiary Dexter Axle Company acquired National Trailer Parts Warehouse, Ltd., a trailer-parts distributor based in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. The acquisition expands Dexter's distribution coverage in Western Canada and integrates National Trailer Parts' ~20 employees and local fleet into Dexter's distribution network.

Firmament-backed Envase Technologies acquired Montreal-area TMS vendor Infosite Technologies to expand its intermodal transportation software suite and strengthen its presence in Canada. The deal adds several hundred customers to Envase’s platform and is Envase’s fourth acquisition in six months, supported by financial partner The Firmament Group.

IQFA Logistics Ltd completed a strategic share acquisition of an Ontario-based logistics and warehousing company (est. 1987) that provides warehousing, order fulfillment, trucking, fleet management and last‑mile delivery across the Greater Toronto Area and internationally. Beacon Mergers & Acquisitions acted as exclusive buy‑side advisor; the deal was structured as a share purchase with a token vendor take‑back and is intended to strengthen IQFA’s Ontario footprint and capture e‑commerce driven growth opportunities.

Fastfrate Group has acquired ASL Distribution Services Limited, a Canadian transportation, warehousing, distribution and final-mile service provider. The purchase adds 13 terminals and final-mile hubs across Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and into New York, and is projected to increase Fastfrate Group revenue by about $120 million in 2021 while immediately providing Fastfrate entry into the e-commerce final-mile market.

Chicago-based private equity firm Red Arts Capital has acquired Vancouver-area third-party logistics provider Radius Logistics. The investment will support Radius’s geographic and service expansion across North America as the company embarks on its next phase of growth; financial terms were not disclosed.