Orbis advises European Group CSG on its continued expansion in the UK
Orbis Partners have advised, Customs Support Group (“CSG”), Europe’s leading independent provider of customs services on the acquisition of Osborn Customs Services Limited (“OCS”) to further strengthen their local presence in the UK, with offices in close proximity to the key logistical hotspots. CSG is backed by Castik Capital, a leading European private equity investor that is supporting the long term consolidation strategy.
Orbis’ role was to identify and execute a UK acquisition for CSG to meet their ambitious growth plans. The Orbis team led by Partner, Gary Ecob and Director, Peter Waplington were supported by Liam Hadfield and acted as lead advisors on the deal.
From its inauguration in 2001, OCS set out to provide the import/export community with a committed, independent, reliable and cost-effective customs clearance service. As the company received more complicated customs entries, and as an IT driven company, they targeted automation of customs processes. With the ability to cover all major UK ports and their wealth of knowledge and experience, OCS has become one of the go-to companies in the customs industry in the UK. In 2017 the company achieved AEO status, which underlined their premier status as a customs clearance agent. The company founder, Mr Gavin Osborn, has always committed to quality and speed of service since the outset of Osborn Customs Services.
Both OCS and CSG strongly believe that the respective clients will benefit greatly from the amalgamation given the focus on digital customs services, commitment to quality and enhanced geographic coverage.
Headquartered in the Netherlands, CSG is Europe’s leading provider of customs services employing more than 1,000 dedicated customs professionals serving over 10,000 customers annually. CSG have an extensive service offering and digital capability supporting customers in maximising regulatory compliance, achieving operational efficiencies, import duty optimisation; duty planning and ongoing development for a constantly shifting customs landscape.
In addition to traditional brokerage and digital services, Customs Support Group offers customs consulting and gas measurement services. The company is currently active in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Poland, Italy, Ireland, Finland, Sweden and Switzerland.
In Europe, Customs Support Group serves many cross-border clients in several industries such as automotive, food and beverage, and many more. Customs Support is the frontrunner in digital customs and invests substantially in the digitalisation of the customs process.
With Gavin and his team joining the Customs Support family we are further expanding our presence in logistical hotspots in United Kingdom. The team of Osborn Customs Services brings in broad customs knowledge accuracy and expertise in customs clearance and digital knowledge. Osborn Customs Services has an excellent track record in providing customs services to clients. In our ambition to be in close proximity with clients, we can offer clients a broad and complete range of customs services in 8 locations in United Kingdom. Global customs knowledge, local presence!
Frank Weermeijer, CEO
I am delighted to have completed this transaction with CSG within a very quick timeframe from start to finish. This deal demonstrates once again how we can work effectively with our international partners at Clairfield to create cross border strategic opportunities. OCS is a great addition to CSG, bringing a wealth of customs knowledge in addition to recognising the efficiencies of IT in digitising the customs market. I hope this is one of many acquisitions to come as we continue to support CSG grow their business across Europe.
We are convinced this will be highly beneficial for our clients as both Customs Support and Osborn Customs Services emphasise the importance of speed of execution combined with a strong European footprint. We are thrilled as Customs support are the frontrunner in digitising the customs industry. We believe in the great fit for both clients and employees.
