News

Platinum Equity has acquired Toronto and Chicago-based Livingston International, a customs brokerage and trade services firm. No financial terms were disclosed. Livingston is also a provider of global trade management services and is an adviser to more than 30,000 businesses globally.

PRESS RELEASE

LOS ANGELES, May 2, 2019 /PRNewswire/ – Platinum Equity today announced it has completed the acquisition of North American customs brokerage and trade services firm Livingston International.

Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, with U.S. headquarters in Chicago, Il, Livingston International is the largest pure-play customs brokerage in North America and boasts the widest presence along America’s northern border. It is also the third-largest customs entry filer in the United States. The company serves as a trusted adviser to more than 30,000 businesses globally, facilitating the completion and transmission of customs documentation and ensuring goods are cleared through international borders seamlessly and expediently.

Livingston is also a leading provider of global trade management services, including trade consulting and customs compliance, helping businesses optimize their use of free trade agreements, mitigate compliance risk and recover duties where possible.

Platinum Equity is a global private equity firm with approximately $13 billion of assets under management and a highly specialized focus on business operations.

“Livingston has served as a critical partner to businesses around the world as they react and adapt to changes in the global trade environment,” said Dan McHugh, Chief Executive Officer, Livingston International. “We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and look forward to benefiting from Platinum’s dedicated resources and counsel as we continue to focus on providing best-in-class brokerage, freight forwarding and trade management solutions.”

In addition to its role as a trusted customs broker and adviser, Livingston offers international freight forwarding solutions with special emphasis on North American transportation and global air and sea freight capabilities. Its freight solutions also include value-added services, such as warehousing, barge services and project cargo.

About Platinum Equity
Founded in 1995 by Tom Gores, Platinum Equity is a global investment firm with approximately $13 billion of assets under management and a portfolio of approximately 40 operating companies that serve customers around the world. The firm is currently investing from Platinum Equity Capital Partners IV, a $6.5 billion global buyout fund, and Platinum Equity Small Cap Fund, a $1.5 billion buyout fund focused on investment opportunities in the lower middle market. Platinum Equity specializes in mergers, acquisitions and operations – a trademarked strategy it calls M&A&O® – acquiring and operating companies in a broad range of business markets, including manufacturing, distribution, transportation and logistics, equipment rental, metals services, media and entertainment, technology, telecommunications and other industries. Over the past 23 years Platinum Equity has completed more than 250 acquisitions.

About Livingston International
Livingston International focuses on customs brokerage and trade compliance, offering international trade consulting, global trade management and freight forwarding. It provides clarity in a world of trade complexity, so businesses can grow further, faster and smarter. Livingston employs approximately 3,200 associates at more than 100 key border points, sea ports, airports and other strategic locations across North America, Europe and Asia. Visit us at www.livingstonintl.com, and on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.