The Rhenus Group acquired the freight forwarding company, SBL Importverkehrslogistik, which has its headquarters in Ratingen, on 1 October. The firm provides import and export logistics services and particularly specialises in transport operations by ship, rail and truck as well as offering complete solutions in the steel sector.
SBL Importverkehrslogistik also handles project business, including transport operations for heavy-duty and special items. However, warehousing, transport insurance, customs clearance, settling insurance claims and document management are all services that the freight forwarding company provides in addition to its transport operations. Most of its customers are European steel importers, traders and producers.
“We’d already cooperated with SLB successfully before the acquisition and we’re convinced that the freight forwarding company fits in with our operations very well. The acquisition offers Rhenus Commodity Logistics the opportunity of significantly expanding its current customer base,” said Hugo Geerts, Managing Director of Rhenus Holding Belgium.
“By selling SBL Importverkehrslogistik to the family-managed Rhenus Group, we want to safeguard the future viability of the freight forwarding company after I leave the firm due to my age,” said co-owner Hartfried Butenhoff, giving the reasons for the sale. He will continue to be available as an adviser for the time being. Christian Gansow will also remain as managing director after the takeover.
