Samskip acquires the Icepak group of companies

News was prepared under the information support of Online Daily Newspaper on Hellenic and international Shipping "Hellenic Shipping News".

29 Nov 2007

The international shipping and logistics company Samskip has announced the acquisition of leading global reefer logistics company Icepak. The Icepak organisation has offices in Basildon in the UK; Merchantville, New Jersey and Seattle, in North America; and Sydney, Australia.Icepak has been operating successfully for 15 years under the primary ownership of Debbie Woodliffe, Holly Coble and Paul Dean and during this time has grown and developed an internationally recognised reefer logistics brand along with a well respected and admired operational and service minded capability.Peder Winther, CEO of Samskip Reefer & Forwarding Logistics, says:“The Icepak business, its staff and shareholders will bring considerable experience and knowledge to our expanding global reefer logistics product. Icepak will strengthen our global footprint and assist with our overall development plans, particularly within the US, Australia, Asian, South American and UK markets. We very much look forward to a successful and valuable partnership with our new colleagues.”Icepak shareholder Debbie Woodliffe comments:“Since the formation of Icepak 15 years ago, we have enjoyed considerable success in growing our global reefer logistics product and network. We feel the time is right for our business and the shareholders to have a like-minded partner to enhance our network and provide the necessary platform to complement our future growth plans. We are confident we have found the right partner in Samskip, which with its strong network will bring exciting opportunities and value to our existing partners and customers alike.”All three shareholders of Icepak will remain with the business and on the board of the company, which will also include Peder Winther and Simon Dwyer, Managing Director Samskip UK. Debbie Woodliffe will join the Samskip Reefer & Forwarding Logistics board based in Rotterdam.