Further expansion in the field of perishables logistics for Kuehne and Nagel

Following the acquisition of three South American airfreight forwarders specialised in perishables logistics in January, Kuehne + Nagel has now entered

into an agreement to acquire 75 per cent of the shares of New Zealand based Cooltainer, a leading reefer operator.


Founded in 1967, Cooltainer, headquartered in Christchurch, brings with

it in-depth knowledge and experience in handling perishable products. Its

45 employees operate a dedicated branch network throughout Australia

and New Zealand. Cooltainer provides a comprehensive door-to-door

service for temperature sensitive cargo (e.g. fruits, meat, frozen vegetables

and meals) in the South Pacific region. It covers very successfully

niche markets such as the Trans-Tasman and Pacific Islands trades, and

offers customers a variety of different sailing opportunities and a reliable

supply of equipment.


"New Zealand is of key importance for perishables exports to Australia

and the South Pacific Islands," said Peter Ulber, Executive Vice President

Sea & Air Logistics, Kuehne + Nagel International AG. "We are very

pleased to join forces with Cooltainer to further strengthen our regional

market position through this strategically focused product offering. Cooltainer's activities ideally complement our operations in Australia and New

Zealand and will give us the opportunity to generate synergies to the

benefit of our customers."


"We are excited about the opportunities that being part of the worldwide

Kuehne + Nagel Group will offer the Cooltainer customers and staff," said

Stuart Grant, CEO and shareholder of Cooltainer. "Demand for New

Zealand and Australian food products will continue to be strong and the

performance of the cool chain service providers is crucial in ensuring

exporters achieve maximum return."