UPS Buys European Firm in Bid to Expand Network

United Parcel Service has acquired Seabourne European Express Parcels for an undisclosed amount in an effort to develop a Pan-European ground delivery network, executives said today.

Seabourne European Express is a division of Seabourne Express Limited, a transportation company with headquarters in Antwerp and its main hub in Mechelen, both in Belgium. The company also has extensive operations in the United Kingdom.

“One of our goals has been to build a European ground delivery service to complement our existing international air network,” said Larry Long, UPS vice president in Europe.

“The purchase of Seabourne is a critical move toward achieving that goal,” Long said.

The acquisition will allow UPS to merge its existing European air operation with a developing cross-border ground service.

Seabourne’s 28-year presence in the United Kingdom also was expected to strengthen UPS’ position in the British marketplace, officials said.

Seabourne operates depots and offices throughout the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden.

The company, with annual revenues of more than $26 million, also provides service in Germany, Ireland, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Italy.

“Seabourne will provide UPS with added capabilities, including EEC transport permits and highly developed line-haul operation, which will accelerate the development of a UPS Pan-European ground service,” said Jan Schipper, general manager for Seabourne in Europe.

Seabourne’s employees will remain in their current positions.

UPS serves the entire United States and more than 180 countries and territories. It delivered 8.2 billion packages and documents last year.