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Manchester-based Aztek International Logistics has been acquired in full by Austrian transport giant Cargo-Partner.

The acquisition follows a joint venture between Aztek International Freight and Cargo-Partner in 2021 which saw it acquire a third of Aztek’s shares.

This latest deal sees Cargo-Partner buy the remaining two thirds of the company’s shares and fully integrate the partner company into its own organisation.

The purchase gives Cargo-Partner two new offices in East London and Bradford, to add to its existing UK location in Manchester, bringing the team in the UK to 55 employees.

Aztek International offers road groupage services, part load, full load and express van road freight services throughout Europe as well as air and sea freight solutions.

It also specialises in providing services between the UK and Eastern Europe, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Stefan Krauter, chief exectutive of Cargo-Partner said: “We have been working with Aztek for 15 years, during which we have mutually helped each other to grow and develop our business.

“This acquisition will significantly complement our existing service portfolio in the UK, especially in groupage road transport. In addition the recently grown team will continue to successfully support clients, keeping their supply chains moving across Europe and navigating the complex new customs requirements following Brexit."

Traditionally the Austrian-based logistics provider has had a very strong presence in Central and Eastern Europe, but has recently invested significant sums in expanding its footprint in Western Europe.

Besides having branch offices in Germany and Benelux for 20 years, Cargo-Partner has recently added Ireland, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the UK to its network.

The company added that further strengthening its footprint in the UK “is an essential puzzle piece in the company’s strategic development plans in Western Europe for 2022 and beyond”.