Lineage Logistics grows with launch of Canadian platform

Lineage Logistics, a provider of temperature-controlled logistics solutions, recently agreed to acquire Ontario Refrigerated Services (ORS), a family-operated cold storage company offering temperature-controlled space in the Greater Toronto market.

The company said the acquisition marks its entrance into the Canadian market. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Established in 2003 by Roger Kropf, founder and president, and Kate Kropf, controller and CGA accountant, ORS is a leading cold storage partner, with its long-tenured customer relationships and wholly owned facilities strategically located near customers’ production facilities, Lineage said. The acquisition of ORS includes four young and modern facilities within approximately 93 miles of Toronto that collectively offer 510,000 square feet and 100,000 pallet positions of refrigerated capacity.

“We are thrilled to expand our industry-leading, global network into the Canadian market and can think of no better group with whom to begin this journey than the ORS team,” said Greg Lehmkuhl, president and chief executive officer of Lineage. “The Ontario market is a cornerstone of the Canadian economy, making this the natural place for Lineage to launch our broader Canadian market platform. Further, ORS’s entrepreneurial spirit and local roots are a great fit with the Lineage culture. We’re excited to have this starting point to expand further in Canada.”

Lineage said its investment is backed by the CapCold Group, which seeks to acquire North American cold storage companies with experience in Canadian markets. CapCold founders Robert and Patrick Molyneux will join the Lineage team as advisors, as the company works to strengthen its Canadian platform.

“We look forward to working with the ORS and Lineage management teams to further expand their Canadian market footprint,“ said Robert Molyneux, president and chairman of CapCold.

Roger Kropf said he and Kate Kropf are pleased by Lineage’s acquisition of ORS.

“The support of our customers and team have contributed to our rapid growth and success for the past 17 years, and I believe Lineage and CapCold are the right partners to take ORS into the future,” he maintained.

Following the transaction’s close, the combined company will boast a global footprint that spans more than 1.9 billion cubic feet of temperature-controlled capacity across more than 300 facilities in 13 countries.

The transaction is expected to close in the coming weeks, Lineage said.