Platinum Equity acquires customs and trade consultancy Livingston International
Global private equity firm Platinum Equity has completed its acquisition of Livingston International, Canada’s largest customs broker and the third-largest customs entry filer in the United States.
Headquartered in Toronto and founded in 1945, Livingston has grown into the largest pure play customs brokerage firm in North America. Working with more than 30,000 businesses globally, the company facilitates the completion of customs documentation and ensures goods are cleared through international borders.
Livingston also offers trade consulting and customs compliance services. Its customs, legal, and financial experts help clients mitigate trade risk and liability, navigate free trade agreements and special trade programs, manage supply chain security, and optimize duty and tax recovery. Livingston also helps companies with freight shipping across North America and the globe.
The company has approximately 3,200 employees at more than 100 key border points, sea ports, and airports across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Livingston has now been acquired by Platinum Equity. The private equity firm focuses on business operations, and has approximately $13 billion of assets under management. The firm’s portfolio of approximately 40 operating companies spans manufacturing, distribution, logistics, metal services, and other industries. Platinum Equity has completed more than 250 acquisitions in the past 23 years.
"Livingston has served as a critical partner to businesses around the world as they react and adapt to changes in the global trade environment," Dan McHugh, Livingston International CEO, said. "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."
