Scan Global Logistics to buy OIA Global in largest-ever deal

Scan Global Logistics has agreed to acquire US forwarder OIA Global in what it calls its largest-ever investment — a deal expected to lift the Danish group into the ranks of the world's 20 largest freight forwarders.

The purchase price stays undisclosed, but the funding trail is visible. SGL issued a €300m bond on 22 October, saying part of it would finance its next acquisition. On top of that, The Loadstar understands shareholders led by private equity firm CVC Capital Partners injected a further €111m to help fund the deal.

"The acquisition of OIA Global marks a significant milestone for Scan Global Logistics. As our largest investment to date, it will place us among the world's top 20 freight forwarders, strengthen our position in key markets, and expand our capabilities across the supply chain," said SGL CEO Allan Melgaard.

"Together with OIA Global's talented people and experienced leadership team, we will create a stronger, more resilient platform for future growth," he added.

Rumours of the deal surfaced on Loadstar Premium's DeskOne news feed a day ahead of the announcement. Now it's confirmed.

What does OIA bring to the table?

OIA Global posted revenues of $780m in 2025 and employs roughly 1,200 staff across 60 offices. That scale alone would move the needle. But the commercial logic runs deeper than volume.

SGL points to a business model that stretches beyond traditional freight forwarding:

• supply chain management
• customs brokerage
• project logistics
• packaging solutions

Those capabilities complement SGL's own expertise and, in the company's words, "broaden the combined company's ability to support customers across increasingly complex global supply chains."

Why the sellers sold now

OIA Global has been on the market for some time, according to The Loadstar's M&A sources. The seller is US family-owned fund Lacy Diversified Industries (LDI), which has been seeking an exit.

LDI bought OIA in 2010. Since then it has completed five acquisitions to widen OIA's geographic and vertical reach — the first being UK forwarder Belville Rodair in 2013, which gave OIA its first foothold in Europe.

So this is a 15-year private equity-style holding reaching its exit, not a distressed sale.

Do the two cultures fit?

OIA Global CEO Jeffery Barrie thinks so.

"What stood out to us about Scan Global Logistics was not only the scale of the organisation, but also the way it does business," Barrie said. "Both companies are built on strong customer relationships, entrepreneurial thinking, and empowered local teams."

"These shared values provide a strong foundation for the future and make SGL the right partner for OIA Global," he added.

For shippers and forwarders watching from the sidelines, the practical question is what changes once the two networks merge. The answer: a combined platform with deeper US coverage from OIA and SGL's broader international footprint, plus a wider service stack — customs, projects, packaging — under one roof.

The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of next year.