Global Critical Logistics acquires automobile logistics specialist CARS

Global Critical Logistics (GCL) has acquired U.K. based Classic Automotive Relocation Services (CARS), a specialist in the road, air, and sea freight shipment of historic, rare, and prestigious vehicles.

CARS' strong coverage of the European, American, and Middle Eastern markets strengthens GCL's position as a global specialized freight forwarder for high-end and high-value vehicles, complementing GCL's existing brand Cosdel International Transportation.

The combination of CARS and Cosdel's experience and worldwide presence results in the formation of a new global leader serving this complicated and demanding sector.

CARS will continue to operate under its own name as a member of the GCL group of businesses as part of the acquisition.

“This acquisition extends the GCL group’s service offering and proven operational capabilities across key strategic growth markets, both in terms of customer industries and geographic presence,” said Paul J. Martins, President & CEO, GCL.

“CARS offers highly bespoke, tailored services and their global team has an incredible passion to always exceed their customer’s expectations. All companies of the GCL group share these core values, and we are very excited as this addition will further drive meaningful value for both customers and shareholders.”

CARS, founded in 1989, handles the shipment of rare and prestigious automobiles by air, sea, and road freight through its international offices in the United Kingdom, United States, the Middle East, the Netherlands, and Japan.

They also run a network of specialized storage facilities and provide a variety of on-site, high-value services such as Carnet de Passages, registration, and numerous OEM testing options.

“By joining the GCL group, we gain access to additional resources that will turbo charge our service offerings to better serve our existing customers and to reach more customers across the globe,” said Jeremy Barker, Co-Founder and Managing Director, CARS.

“We are thrilled to be part of a major logistics group whose operational ethos and end-market focus so closely matches our business culture.”

This most recent acquisition is one in a series of strategic moves by the GCL group to bolster its worldwide capabilities serving the live events, fine art, classic and high-value automobiles, film, television, broadcast, sports and motor sports industries.

In late 2021, GCL acquired Dynamic International Freight Services Ltd. to enhance its global film & TV offering, and in 2022, added Spain-based forwarder Asesores de Flete, S.A. (ADF), solidifying its capabilities to serve the Spanish-speaking live event and sports industry.

GCL also formed a strategic partnership with SAL Saudi Logistics Services to gain greater penetration into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Middle Eastern markets, and has opened new offices in Singapore and Miami.