Logistics & Distribution Acquisitions in South Carolina

Nuvocargo has acquired Charleston, South Carolina-based third-party logistics provider Merge Transportation, adding intra-U.S. brokerage and transportation capabilities to its existing U.S.–Mexico cross-border platform. The acquisition (terms undisclosed) brings Merge's ~14-person team into Nuvocargo and expands the company's service offering across North America.

Vista Equity Partners (through its Endeavor Fund) made a strategic growth investment in Gnosis Freight to support the logistics-software company's product and customer expansion. Gnosis Freight provides a Container Lifecycle Management (CLM) SaaS platform that delivers container tracking and supply chain visibility for ocean carriers, shippers, forwarders, truckers and 3PLs.

Loud Beverage Group, Inc. (OTCPK: LBEV) has completed the acquisition of Surge Distribution Company, LLC, a Greer, South Carolina-based distributor operating a 30,000 sq. ft. facility and projecting approximately $5 million in revenue for 2024. Loud Beverage said the purchase supports expansion into new regional markets (Charlotte, Central Florida, Tampa, Jacksonville) and positions the company for accelerated growth and increased distribution capabilities.

48forty Solutions, a national pallet management provider and portfolio company of Audax Private Equity and Summit Partners, has acquired Taylor Pallets & Recycling, a South Carolina-based pallet management and recycling company. Taylor operates four locations across South Carolina and Georgia, employs more than 180 people, and will expand 48forty's presence in the Southeast; terms were not disclosed.

Harbor Logistics, a Charleston-based platform backed by NOVA Infrastructure, has acquired ATS Logistics, a leading drayage and warehousing provider at the Port of Charleston. The deal integrates ATS' asset-based fleet and warehouse (including the port's Centralized Examination Station) into Harbor Logistics to expand port-centric transportation and warehousing capabilities in the Charleston market.

Magnate Worldwide, a diversified supply chain management company, has acquired Atlantic-Pacific Express, a mission-critical expedited logistics provider based in Columbia, South Carolina. The deal expands Magnate's expedited and domestic-specialty service capabilities, strengthens its presence in the Southeast, and augments its ASAP Expediting offerings.

Investment funds managed by Alinda Capital Partners have acquired ACL Airshop, a global provider of air cargo Unit Load Device (ULD) leasing, management and repair services. The transaction closed in April 2021 and represents an exit by Argosy Private Equity; Alinda intends to support ACL Airshop's fleet, airport network expansion and technology deployment.

Magnate Worldwide, a CIVC Partners portfolio company, has acquired ASAP Expediting & Logistics and will integrate it into TrumpCard, Magnate's premier heavyweight and time-sensitive shipment division. The acquisition expands TrumpCard's time-critical and expedited transportation capabilities and adds a Columbia, South Carolina office to Magnate's network.

NW Synergy (NWS), the holding company led by FEMSA and comprised of North American, WAXIE and SWPlus, has acquired Southeastern Paper Group (SEPG). The acquisition adds SEPG's seven warehouse facilities and nearly 500 employees, expanding NWS's geographic reach into the southeastern United States and strengthening its janitorial, foodservice disposables and industrial packaging distribution capabilities.

Center Rock Capital Partners has acquired The Merit Distribution Group, a national distributor of paint sundries and flooring products headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, from Centre Lane Partners. Merit operates 10 distribution centers and 23 branch locations, distributing over 30,000 SKUs to more than 11,000 customers; Center Rock plans to grow the business organically and via acquisitions as a platform investment from its Fund I.