News / PE-backed start-up buys Mallory Alexander to launch 'global logistics platform'

A new logistics-focused private equity platform has been launched following the acquisition of a majority share of Memphis-based freight forwarder Mallory International.

The buyers said Mallory would be used as the “cornerstone” to build “a global logistics platform”.

CoPilot Global Logistics Holdings, with Portland-based PE fund Endeavour, completed the majority share acquisition this week from the Mallory family, who will remain minority shareholders.

CoPilot was established by three logistics industry veterans: ex-BDP International chairman and CEO Rich Bolte; fellow senior ex-BDP executive Carmen Gerace; and STG chairman Paul Svindland.

A statement from CoPilot outlines how it intends to use the forwarder as base for further M&A. It said: “Mallory will be the cornerstone operating company as CoPilot and Endeavour pursue a combination of organic investment and targeted acquisitions to build a global logistics platform.

“Acquisitions will be selected for cultural and operational fit and will focus on preserving local leadership, deploying best practices, and adopting shared systems where appropriate,” adding that Mallory Alexander would continue relatively unchanged.

“Endeavour and CoPilot are financial partners with significant experience in the logistics space — the transaction is not a merger with a competing third‑party logistics operator. The transition to the new ownership structure will be managed to avoid disruption to customers, suppliers, or government partners,” it added.

However, Mallory’s C-suite has changed, with Mr Bolte named its new chairman, while Mr Svindland and Mr Gerace have been named CEO and COO respectively, although the new owners were keen to stress “existing management, brand, and customer‑facing teams” would continue.