The GEFCO Group, a logistics provider for manufacturers and a leader in automotive logistics in Europe, has signed an agreement with the private equity fund Nimbus to acquire the Dutch company IJS Global, a specialist in air and sea freight operations.

The complementary nature of the GEFCO and IJS Global businesses, with regard to expertise, geographic networks and customer portfolios, will create value for customers, partners, suppliers, and employees, according to a GEFCO statement.

The acquisition will position the new entity as a preferred partner of international manufacturers, according to GEFCO, and will result in a broader range of global logistics services, dedicated to the optimization of complex supply chains.

IJS Global, founded in 2004 and headquartered in Amsterdam, is a freight forwarder specializing in air and sea cargo. The company currently has 500 employees and generated revenues of $178 million in 2014. It maintains facilities in 16 countries, including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Australia, China, and the United States. IJS Global operates across several business sectors including pharmaceuticals, humanitarian relief, high-tech, oil and gas, aerospace, and fashion.

The acquisition will allow GEFCO to develop its presence in two primary freight forwarding areas: China and Southeast Asia and the U.S., noted Luc Nadal, chairman of the GEFCO Management Board. It will also enable GEFCO to extend its European network through a greater presence in the UK, the Netherlands and Germany, while also obtaining a foothold in the Australian market.

“The acquisition is fully in line with our development strategy,” said Nadal. “Our mission is to bring value to our customers’ supply chains while enabling them to achieve greater growth and competitiveness.”

GEFCO will also enhance its logistics and transportation services with the contribution of IJS Global’s expertise in intercontinental air and sea freight forwarding.

“We are delighted to join the GEFCO Group, a global leader in high value-added logistics,” said Sjoerd Van Loon, CEO of IJS Global. “The networks of both companies are complementary and will significantly contribute to our service offer in all of the world’s key markets. We are looking forward to combining the knowledge and experience of our teams to help us assist in future growth.”

Once the acquisition of IJS Global is completed, all of GEFCO’s freight forwarding activities will be managed by Van Loon.