The Norwalk Hour

Odyssey acquisitio­n its largest to date

Logistics company in agreement with AFF Global

- By Chris Bosak The writer may be reached at cbosak@hearstmedi­act.com; 203-731-3338.

Odyssey Logistics & Technology Corp. has entered into an agreement to acquire AFF Global Logistics, marking Odyssey’s largest acquisitio­n to date.

Odyssey is a Danburybas­ed transporta­tion and logistics company. The acquisitio­n of AFF will add 600 employees, bringing Odyssey’s global workforce to more than 2,400.

AFF is a third-party logistics provider and freight operator. It is based in Fife, Wash.

“The highly desirable acquisitio­n of AFF continues Odyssey’s expansion into the complex global multimodal logistics services arena that often presents considerab­le competitiv­e barriers to market entry,” Bob Shellman, president and CEO of Odyssey, said. “AFF’s load consolidat­ion expertise, U.S. offshore markets coverage, warehouse network and Asia Pacific import business will markedly enhance Odyssey’s strong truck, rail, marine and facility networks.”

The acquisitio­n, Shellman said, supports Odyssey’s strategy of operating an asset-light logistics business with the size to be a vital partner to both shippers and carriers worldwide. The capabiliti­es of the combined organizati­on will allow Odtions to approach customers with a differenti­ated solution for their entire supply chain, he added, competing effectivel­y against the market’s leading logistics companies.

“This transactio­n reflects Odyssey’s commitment to continuous growth and expansion of services,” Shellman said, “which we expect will be complement­ary and provide a broader range of services to both Odyssey and AFF global customers.”

Through the first three quarters, top-line revenue for Odyssey is up 22 percent year-over-year, said Cosmo Alberico, who is both chief operating officer and chief financial officer for the company. As a result of the acqui- sition, Odyssey’s global freight network will exceed $2.8 billion in revenue, Alberico said.

“Odyssey is a recognized global logistics leader, providing comprehens­ive supply-chain solutions across a diverse customer base,” Kevin Kelly, CEO of AFF Global, said in a statement. “I am excited about the accretive benefit that this transactio­n will produce, and can assure our dedicated employees, valued customers and key suppliers that our teaming with Odyssey will expand our capabiliti­es, while maintainin­g the level of service and confidence in AFF that we have establishe­d over our many years of associatio­n.”

The transactio­n is subject to customary closing condiyssey and is expected to close by the end of the year.

Odyssey, which is headquarte­red in Matrix Corporate Center in west Danbury, provides services such as trucking, bulk transport, internatio­nal transporta­tion management, intermodal services and consulting.

 ?? Hearst Connecticu­t Media file photo ?? Cosmo Alberico, who is both chief operating officer and chief financial officer for Odyssey Logistics & Technology in Danbury, at Odyssey’s offices at the Matrix Conference Center in Danbury.
Hearst Connecticu­t Media file photo Cosmo Alberico, who is both chief operating officer and chief financial officer for Odyssey Logistics & Technology in Danbury, at Odyssey’s offices at the Matrix Conference Center in Danbury.

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