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XPO Logistics acquisition of Norbert Dentressangle could benefit wine importers

Published:  29 April, 2015

XPO Logistics is to acquire Norbert Dentressangle, a leading global provider of contract logistics, freight brokerage and transportation services in a move that could benefit UK wine importers through improved customer service and the availability of a broader logistic network.

XPO Logistics is to acquire Norbert Dentressangle, a leading global provider of contract logistics, freight brokerage and transportation services, in a move that could benefit UK wine importers through improved customer service and the availability of a broader logistic network.

The €3.24 billion-pound acquisition will make XPO a top ten global logistic company and increase the company's ability to offer e-fulfilment services as well as expand its European footprint.

Norbert Dentressangle, which is based in Lyon, France, has 662 locations and employs over 42,000 people.

Bradley Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of XPO Logistics, said it was a "defining moment" in the growth of XPO. "Our planned acquisition of Norbert Dentressangle will catapult XPO to a top ten global logistics company."

The acquisition by XPO could benefit Norbert Dentressangle's current customers by now having a much broader logistic network.  XPO also plans to further expand in Europe.  "XPO intends to use the acquired operations as a platform to grow its business in Europe," the company said in a statement. 

Customers should expect to see XPO's proprietary Freight Optimizer platform rolled out in Europe as well. The platform offers carrier sourcing and "best in class" customer service. 

Norbert Dentressangle has a strong customer base in Spain, France and the UK, where it serves the UK multiple grocers and food and beverage sectors. It also covers sectors including agriculture, retailers, manufacturing, e-commerce and high tech.  

It is one of the logistics companies used by Laithwaite's Wine for most of its inbound freight, along with Kuehne + Nagel, although it uses City Link and Yodel for its customer order fulfilment.

Laithwaite's operations director Kevin Hanley told harpers.co.uk last year that when choosing a logistic provider he wanted a company that had local offices in wine producing regions and Norbert Dentressangle ticked the box.  He said: "When choosing our in-bound freight providers we need to ensure that they can be flexible enough to react to last minute changes to collections.  Another important factor is them having local offices in the world's wine production regions."

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