Kuehne + Nagel last year boosted both profit and turnover, globally and in Europe, through a combination of winning new business and restructuring.

Its financial statements for 2013 revealed that increased turnover in its road and rail logistics business mainly came from the launch if its Road 2 Profit strategy, which focused on growth in groupage, full and part loads, and industry-specific distribution.

The division also saw increases in part and full loads, as well as business from pharmaceutical and healthcare customers.

K+N also closed 40 'unprofitable locations' in its  contract logistics division during the year. The division also won contracts in the pharmaceutical and e-commerce industries.

Kuehne + Nagel International chairman Karl Gernandt said: “2013 was characterised by remarkable changes in the fields of personnel, structures and product focus. The Kuehne + Nagel Group has streamlined its internal structures more efficiency and established a new management team.

“With these initiatives implemented, the company has achieved a very good result.”

Dr. Detlef Trefzger became CEO of K+N in August. Marcus Bennett also became national manager for the UK last year, while Pamela Doyle took up the role of national manager for Ireland.

Key financials for the year ended 31 December 2013:

Turnover in Europe grew marginally from CHF 12.4bn (£8.4bn) in 2012 to CHF 12.5bn last year.

European EBITDA rose 10% to CHF 522m (£354m) in 2013 (2012: CHF474m).

Group turnover increased from CHF 20.7bn (£14bn) in 2012 to CHF 20.9bn in 2013.

Group EBITDA increased 12% to CHF 962m (£653m) in 2013 (2012: CHF 855m).

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