Bekins' agents believe that an agent-owned van line will present the greatest growth opportunities to not only the existing network but also to others in the moving and specialty logistics industries, said George Gilbert, president & chairman of the Bekins Acquisition Group.
Bekins intends to aggressively pursue core businesses, including corporate and private relocation services, tradeshow services and home delivery, he added. Financial details of the purchase were not released.
"The acquisition underscores our agents' commitment to providing the finest services for our customers," said Larry Marzullo, CEO & president of The Bekins Company, based in Hillside, IL. "The agent-owned model will allow our network to benefit financially and enhance their local regional and national presence, while providing our employees stability and the support of a network that is truly committed to Bekins' products and services."
Bekins Van Lines fields a combined fleet of more than 1,600 operators and is the seventh-largest provider of household goods relocation services to corporations, individuals and the U.S. government. Bekins Worldwide Solutions uses a dedicated agency network of more than 60 distribution centers with a combined Bekins fleet of over 2,100 tractors, trailers and straight trucks to provide a variety of specialty transportation services.