GFS, a leading provider of multi-carrier parcel technology and services, has been acquired by ILG, part of Yusen Logistics

Arrowpoint Advisory has advised the shareholders of Enterprise Carrier Management (ECM) company, Global Freight Solutions (GFS), on its sale to industry-leading e-commerce fulfilment specialists, ILG (International Logistics Group Ltd), part of the Yusen Logistics/NYK group of companies.

The acquisition provides significant investment for GFS to accelerate the development of its multi-carrier ECM platform and leverage the capabilities and infrastructure of the wider group to provide B2B and B2C customers with global end-to-end support across the entire supply chain.

Established more than 20 years ago, GFS are the pioneers of ECM technology and multi-carrier parcel services. Having more than doubled in size following investment from Phoenix Equity Partners in 2017, GFS offers single access to 1000+ shipping lanes across 220+ countries, UK and worldwide, backed by their technology to automate and simplify multi-carrier shipping from checkout to doorstep and back again.

Phoenix Equity Partners are a leading growth-focused private equity firm investing in medium-sized, UK-based businesses valued up to £200m. 

ILG specialises in omnichannel fulfilment solutions in the beauty, wellbeing and fashion sectors with 13 bespoke facilities in the UK and EU. In 2018, ILG was acquired by Yusen Logistics and continues to deliver year-on-year growth.

The acquisition by ILG for an undisclosed amount will see GFS’s existing management team continue in existing roles, whilst Phoenix exits in full.

Neil Cotty, CEO, at GFS commented: “We are entering a very exciting phase for GFS – this partnership and the synergies with ILG and the wider group will help us realise our vision. It allows us to offer our B2B and B2C customers greater cost-benefits, unrivalled services, and expertise across every aspect of their supply chain, in every corner of the world.”

Mark Sargeant, Partner at Phoenix, commented: “GFS is a fantastic software-driven services business, and we have thoroughly enjoyed working with Neil and his team to grow and develop the company over the last few years. The company looks very different to the one we first met – we’ve invested across all areas of the business, most noticeably in further developing the technology proposition and product suite, whilst also transforming the sales and marketing approach. GFS provides a win-win solution for its customers and suppliers and its rapid growth reflects that, with the business currently onboarding more customers than ever before. We wish Neil and the team all the best in what promises to be a very exciting future.”

Mark went on to add: “We would like to thank the Arrowpoint Advisory team for their support – their strong experience in logistics technology, global network and commitment have been key.”

Mike Stephenson, Chairman, at ILG added: “This new and exciting partnership with GFS gives us access to best-in-class multi-carrier technology and services to greatly enhance the offering to our delivery and fulfilment clients and power our expansion into overseas markets.”

Barry Sheehan, Managing Director at Arrowpoint Advisory, concluded: “Over the last 20 years, GFS has built an outstanding platform in multi-carrier parcel software and services. As part of ILG and Yusen, GFS’ technology has the potential to be scaled globally. We are delighted to have advised GFS and Phoenix on this exciting transaction.”

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