Getlink (Paris:GET) has announced the strategic acquisition of ChannelPorts Ltd, a foremost British customs intermediary.
With a history dating back to 1974 and situated in Folkestone, Kent, ChannelPorts boasts a dedicated workforce of 44 and reported revenues of approximately £10M in 2023.
This acquisition is poised to address critical transportation challenges and simplify the complexities of cross-Channel trade.
Getlink’s comprehensive service offering is designed to facilitate seamless goods exchange between Europe and the United Kingdom, aligning perfectly with the Group’s Low Carbon – High Simplicity strategy.
ChannelPorts has been instrumental in managing the mandatory customs formalities post-Brexit for its hauliers, logistics, and forwarding clients.
The company’s reliance on CustomsPro, a digital platform, has been pivotal in streamlining data exchanges and enhancing operational productivity.
The integration of these services, including import, export, and transit formalities, into Sherpass, Getlink’s digital platform, signifies a major step towards simplifying border crossings for transport and logistics customers.
With this acquisition, Getlink solidifies its robust position in the fragmented market for customs services between Europe and the United Kingdom.
ChannelPorts also operates “Stop24,” a secure truck park and service area located strategically on the M20 motorway in Folkestone, within a stone’s throw from the Channel Tunnel entrance.
“Stop24” complements the secure solutions for truck drivers offered on the French side by Eurotunnel’s Le Truck Village.
Yann Leriche, CEO of Getlink, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, “The administrative complexities of border crossing post-Brexit have significantly increased the burden on cross-Channel hauliers.
Our goal is to support our freight customers by developing an all-encompassing range of services that streamline customs clearance.
The addition of ChannelPorts to our portfolio enhances our smart border solutions. We are thrilled to integrate the ChannelPorts team, whose track record of delivering straightforward and high-value services to customers is well-established.”