Panalpina acquires Cool Chain Group to expand Perishables Network into Germany 29 September 2017

Panalpina is expanding its Perishables Network into Germany. Panalpina has entered into an agreement with the Cool Chain Group, Germany (CCG), taking over business and a team that is specialised in international air freight and the import of perishables. The deal will further strengthen the Panalpina Perishables Network in Europe and the Company’s global end-to-end offering for fresh produce.

Rungis Express, the parent company of CCG, and Panalpina have agreed to the business takeover on September 28, 2017. As part of this deal, Panalpina in Germany will take over an experienced team of employees and a flourishing perishables business stemming from well over 100 customers and representing around 14,000 tons of air freight per year.

Whilst recent acquisitions in the perishables market have concentrated on the export side, Panalpina also want to increase its footprint in key import markets and build end-to-end perishables capabilities at major gateways such as Frankfurt and Amsterdam.

These latest developments are further important steps towards offering complete end-to-end solutions on a global scale.

Rungis Express, in a strategic move to focus on their core business of overland distribution and the wholesale of gourmet products, has decided to shift away from international freight forwarding activities. It had built a very knowledgeable team that specialises in international air freight and the import of perishables such as fresh cut flowers, beans, fish, frozen sea food and mangoes, mostly from Africa and Latin America. However, it wants to refocus on key capabilities and are convinced that these specialists and the customers they serve will be in better hands with Panalpina.

The former managing director of CCG, Markus Kampa, will lead the entire team and further develop the business as Panalpina’s new Country Head of Perishables Germany. Panalpina will additionally have access to cold storage space within CCG’s temperature-controlled transit warehouse in Kelsterbach, close to Frankfurt Airport and one of Europe’s most important import hubs for perishables. Furthermore, Panalpina will continue to benefit from CCG’s well-established overland distribution network and cool chain capabilities in Germany and many neighbouring countries.

The companies have agreed not to disclose any financial details of the deal.