GEODIS, the fourth largest supply-chain operator in Europe, has entered into an agreement to acquire OHL (Ozburn-Hessey Logistics).

OHL is a third-party logistics provider, operating more than 120 value-added distribution centers in North America with over 36 million square feet of flexible warehouse space. Founded in 1951, the company also provides integrated global supply chain management solutions including transportation, warehousing, customs brokerage, freight forwarding, and import and export consulting services.

With over 8,000 transportation employees, OHL specializes in apparel, electronics, healthcare, food and beverage, and consumer packaged goods and has annual revenues $1.9 billion.

GEODIS offers clients in over 67 countries custom solutions through its five lines of business: supply-chain optimization, freight forwarding, contract logistics, distribution, and express and road transportation. With over 120,000 customers and 30,000 employees, GEODIS’s annual revenue amounts to $10.6 billion.

“We are proud to welcome the customers and employees of OHL to GEODIS and to provide our global customers with OHL’s expertise and presence in the North American market” says Marie-Christine Lombard, CEO of GEODIS.  “GEODIS offers a global footprint for North American corporations and the clients of OHL seeking to grow internationally.”

“We are excited to join forces with GEODIS and look forward to the extended reach of a worldwide Group” added Randy Curran, CEO of OHL.  “Both organizations have a long tradition of finding world class supply chain solutions for customers in pursuit of the superior customer experience.”

Earlier this year, GEODIS unified its offerings under the GEODIS brand.  OHL will eventually also be rebranded GEODIS.

GEODIS is 100-percent owned by SNCF Logistics. OHL is currently owned by private equity firm Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe (WCAS). The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.