Atlanta-based United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS – $124.28) announced it has acquired Sandler & Travis Trade Advisory Services, the world’s largest independent provider of global trade management services, for an undisclosed amount. Sandler & Travis provides services in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America and help clients comply with the ever-changing and complex rules, regulations and laws covering international trade. Almost 70 percent of the company’s employees work outside of the U.S., in strategic offices in cities such as Shanghai, Bengaluru, Aberdeen, Warsaw, Mexico City, Buenos Aires and São Paulo. These additional locations will complement UPS Trade Management Services’ existing global operations. Sandler & Travis also provides an advanced trade management technology platform that UPS will continue to build upon over time. Earlier this year, United Parcel acquired Zone Solutions, which specializes in Foreign Trade Zone services. Zone Solutions brings UPS customers extensive expertise in navigating all aspects of FTZ operations, providing managed zone administration services, systems implementation and consulting.
Shares of UPS, yielding 2.76%, are trading at an all-time high and, assuming a trouble-free Christmas delivery rush, the positions in the world’s largest delivery provider remain a solid long-term holding.
