Shipping giant Maersk intends to acquire its compatriot project logistics company, Martin Bencher Group, a specialist in non-containerised project logistics in a deal worth $61 million. 

Commenting on the acquisition plans, Karsten Kildahl, regional managing director in Europe of Maersk, said, “Martin Bencher will be an excellent fit to Maersk and our integrator strategy, strengthening our ability to provide project logistics services to our global clients. When Martin Bencher joins the Maersk family, we will be able to deliver project logistics services with a high degree of reliability, a proven track-record, and a strong focus on Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE). In addition to supporting our existing customers’ project logistics needs, we will also be able to provide a more comprehensive offering to a wide array of industries.”

Until obtaining all required regulatory approvals and closing of the transaction, Maersk and Martin Bencher Group remain two separate companies and thus will run their businesses independently as usual.

Maersk Project Logistics launched

With the intended acquisition of Martin Bencher, Maersk will also introduce a new product, Maersk Project Logistics. Such service requires managed transportation capabilities with deep technical specialist knowledge around specific supply chain elements such as handling of oversized and special lift cargo, conducting road surveys, and delivery planning as well as offload and assembly of the equipment on sites.

A strong project logistics solution offering is a key element for clients with logistics requirements for large scale projects across several industry segments, including renewable energy, pulp and paper, power generation, mining, automotive, aid and relief, government contracted logistics and industrial manufacturing.

Project logistics is not new to Maersk, as the company already has niche competencies based mainly in Europe and North America. However, in order to expand and mature the service offering, existing activities will be consolidated into a global product offering, benefitting the clients.

Together with the proposed acquisition of Martin Bencher, this will enable Maersk to significantly accelerate its project logistics capabilities and develop an unparalleled integrated offering to serve existing and future customers, also within new industries.

Martin Bencher optimistic about integration

In its customer advisory, Martin Bencher Group said it is very optimistic about the opportunities this integration will bring to its customers.

“We are thrilled to become an integral part of Maersk, which we see as an ideal fit for our people and clients. Clients requiring project logistics are aware of the constraints and challenges facing them and are seeking strategic partners with sufficient ambitions and strength to handle their entire global supply chain now and in the years to come. Together with Maersk, we will have the scale, commitment, and capabilities to handle the entire logistics scope of work for clients around the world – as well as expand into new industries,” said Peter Thorsoe Jensen, CEO of Martin Bencher Group.

Martin Bencher Group is headquartered in Aarhus, Denmark and has a presence in key locations globally through 31 offices in 23 countries, with almost 170 employees.