MINNEAPOLIS, MN, September 15 - C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., ("C.H. Robinson") one of the largest produce sourcing and non-asset based third party logistics companies in the world, today announced it acquired two jointly-owned, produce industry leaders: Rosemont Farms Corporation, Inc. ("Rosemont"), a prominent produce marketing company, and Quality Logistics, LLC, a non-asset based logistics sister company that focuses on produce transportation.
Rosemont offers produce and logistics solutions to retail and food service customers. Rosemont’s expertise and well established grower relationships will further augment C.H. Robinson’s existing regional grower programs and its focus on providing sustainable solutions that are close to the market, grower based, and supply chain efficient. Quality Logistics primarily focuses on refrigerated and less-than-truckload transportation. Rosemont and Quality Logistics are headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, and combined have approximately 100 employees. Both companies were established in 1999 by Andrew Schwartz, Frank Segui, and Don Brodie. Schwartz and Segui will continue with the company in similar management roles.
"The Rosemont and Quality Logistics acquisition continues C.H. Robinson’s long track record of adapting to the needs of the marketplace by developing new approaches to the produce supply chain," said Jim Lemke, C.H. Robinson senior vice president of sourcing. "We continue to evolve and innovate our grower programs. Both companies’ experienced teams will be a driving force as we cultivate stronger and more active grower marketing programs. Their industry knowledge, commitment to service, and relationships are a great complement to the Robinson team."
In 2005, C.H. Robinson acquired FoodSource, Inc., a California based produce sourcing and marketing organization. FoodSource’s regional programs and grower relationships have played an integral role in expanding C.H. Robinson’s organic regional programs. The Rosemont acquisition, combined with FoodSource, will continue to support C.H. Robinson’s supply-based sourcing strategies and ability to provide state of the art solutions to meet consumers’ needs.
Schwartz said, "We are proud and excited to combine our produce and supply chain expertise with C.H. Robinson. We have wo rked with Robinson for many years and look forward to bundling our collective resources and capabilities. Together, we will be able to offer the high quality produce and service that has built both companies to their current levels."
Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
About C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.:
C.H. Robinson got its start in the produce industry over 100 years ago, providing fresh fruits and vegetables to the settlers of the Dakotas and Minnesota. Today, C.H. Robinson is a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest produce sourcing and non-asset based third party logistics companies in the world with annual gross revenues of approximately $8.6 billion in 2008. C.H. Robinson sources the highest quality products while integrating value-added logistics, distribution, and information reporting services. C.H. Robinson works with many well known North American consumer brands including Mott's®, Welch's®, and Tropicana® and offers a full line of organic produce through a large network of regional and local growers. The company serves over 32,000 customers through a network of more than 233 offices and approximately 7,300 employees in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Australia and the Middle East.
Through the company and its Foundation, C.H. Robinson contributes millions of dollars annually to a variety of organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the American Cancer Society, Children&r squo;s Hospital of Minnesota, and the United Way. The company is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and has been publicly traded on the Nasdaq since 1997.
