Golden Gate Logistics Acquires Global Link Logistics

Furniture World Magazine

Golden Gate Logistics, LLC of Palo Alto, Calif., has completed the acquisition of Global Link Logistics from Olympus Partners. Global Link, based in Atlanta, Ga., is one of the leading providers of ocean and brokerage services to North American furniture importers. Global Link also serves the residential lighting, apparel, general merchandise and hardware markets. The acquisition marks the next phase in the company’s growth. Global Link started in 1997 with a mission to bring exceptional customer service to the forwarding industry. Over time, Global Link has expanded its services by offering air and customs brokerage options, as well as expanding from Asia to include Latin American origins. Global Link is now one of the 10 largest ocean forwarders in the China to U.S. trade lanes. “Global Link has grown by providing great service to very specific markets,” said Gary Meyer, Global Link president. “We’ve made it our mission to provide a Single Point Customer Service model so that each customer has one person who is completely accountable for the customer’s business. We think this model is more relevant than ever, with many of the mergers in the industry devaluing customer service and flexibility.” Global Link sought additional capital from Olympus Partners in 2003. Averaging in excess of 35% growth per year, Global Link is ready for its next stage of growth. “We’ve developed a reputation in the furniture and lighting industries for delivering the lowest landed costs in the industry,” said Gene Winters, vice president of sales and marketing for Global Link. “Our partnership with Golden Gate Logistics lets us further this landed cost model by implementing additional services our furniture and other industry clients seek.” Ed Feitzinger, senior vice president of Golden Gate Logistics, said “Global Link is our platform acquisition. We’re tremendously excited about their deep industry expertise, which we think will match well with our experience in complete origin-to-door supply chain solutions. Combined with our capital backing from GTCR Golder Rauner, we expect to see Global Link accelerate its growth and expand services to its core customers.” About Golden Gate Logistics, LLC Based in Palo Alto, Calif., Golden Gate Logistics is a company formed by GTCR Golder Rauner, LLC and John H. Williford, founder of Menlo Logistics and former CEO of Menlo Worldwide. Golden Gate’s goal is to acquire and consolidate premier logistics services providers in North America and Asia, creating an innovative, flexible solutions provider for companies with logistics needs in those regions. More information about Golden Gate Logistics may be found at www.goldengatelogistics.com. About Global Link Logistics Global Link Logistics, Inc. of Atlanta, Ga. is a leader in containerized ocean freight transportation and supply chain solutions, specializing in Transpacific Asian/North American trade lanes and import services from Latin America. Global Link’s services support its customers’ goals of reliable speed to market, reduced landed cost and enhanced visibility for optimum operational performance. Global Link works with a diverse set of industries including wholesale and retail residential furniture, lighting fixtures, hardware, garments and general merchandise. Each customer receives Global Link’s unique “Single Point Customer Service” model, providing instant, quality support with only one call or email. Global Link, along with its longstanding Asian partner, Hecny Transportation, delivers responsive origin management and detailed tracking services of cargo throughout Asia and the U.S.