BASS STRAIT ro-ro and Tasmanian transport specialist Strait Link has bought local company Monson Logistics from founder Bruce Monson.
Strait Link, which combines the former Toll Shipping and Toll Tasmania and was itself acquired from Team Global Express by Igneo Infrastructure Partners late last year, today [19 October] said it had entered into an agreement to take over Monson and expects the deal to complete later this year.
Strait Link chief executive Geoff Gruebner said the acquisition was a natural next step for two businesses as Bruce and the Monson Logistics team have worked together with Strait Link for many years.
Monson Logistics employs some 100 people, operates a fleet of 65 prime movers and has four depots across Burnie, Bell Bay, Hobart and Derrimut in Melbourne. It is estimated to handle around 80–90% of international freight into Tasmania.
“Monson Logistics brings more than three decades of proven experience, deep roots in the North-West Tasmanian community, enduring customer relationships, and specialist international shipping and project logistics capabilities that strongly complement our domestic shipping and logistics network,” Mr Gruebner said.
“Monson Logistics will continue to operate as a standalone business under its existing name, with no changes planned for employees, customers or day-to-day operations,” he said.
Bruce Monson, Monson Logistics founder and owner said the timing was right to sell the business.
“Having worked with Strait Link for some time, we know they understand our people, our customers and what has made Monson Logistics successful. I’m confident they are the right owner to take the business forward.
“We’re incredibly proud of what our team has built over the last 34 years. The time is now right for me to transition to retirement.”
Strait Link owns and operates the Melbourne-Burnie ro-ros Tasmanian Achiever II and Victorian Reliance II and 164 prime movers, 570 trailers, 4,500 containers and 11 depots across Tasmania and Victoria, plus long-term terminal leases at 1 East Webb Dock, Melbourne and No.4 berth, Burnie.