Award-winning beauty fulfilment specialist ILG (International Logistics Group Ltd) has acquired Enterprise Carrier Management (ECM) company, Global Freight Solutions (GFS). The deal gives ILG clients the unique benefits of GFS’s advanced multi-carrier ECM technology, including higher checkout conversion, reduced cart abandonment and increased repeat-purchase. GFS technology enhances the purchase experience of end-customers by offering a greater choice of delivery options, sophisticated tracking and user-friendly returns.
Part of the Yusen Logistics/NYK group of companies, ILG specialises in omnichannel fulfilment solutions in the beauty, wellbeing and fashion sectors and operates 13 bespoke facilities in the UK and EU. Following its sale to Yusen Logistics in 2018, ILG continues to deliver double-digit year-on-year growth.
Mike Stephenson, Chairman, ILG comments, “This new and exciting acquisition gives us the advantage of GFS’s best-in-class multi-carrier technology and services to greatly differentiate ILG’s offering to our fulfilment and delivery clients, and powers our expansion in the UK and international markets.”
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, today GFS offer 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.
Neil Cotty, CEO, GFS states, "We are entering a very exciting phase for GFS – this new relationship 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."
Together, GFS and ILG employ over 600 staff across 16 sites in the UK and EU. The acquisition by ILG for an undisclosed amount will see GFS’s existing management team continue in their roles, whilst Phoenix will exit in full. GFS was advised on the sale by Rothschild & Co and Travers Smith.