ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Perdue Partners today announced its acquisition of Atlanta-based logistics company Benton Express, Inc (www.bentonexpress.com).
Benton has a 78-year heritage as a family-owned and operated Less-Than-a-Truckload (LTL) carrier that built a strong reputation under the leadership of Herb Matthews, Sr. and his son, Chip Matthews. With annual revenues exceeding $50 million, Benton has a leading market position in the Southeast with over 6,000 points serviced by more than 20 terminals. The company has a diversified base of over 600 customers. Benton is recognized for its industry-leading customer service operations.
“With the acquisition of Benton, Perdue Partners intends to build on the company’s strong legacy and quality LTL service that is well known throughout the Southeast,” said former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue, one of the founders of Perdue Partners. “We will invest energy and infrastructure in Benton to support the logistics needs of current and future customers, and we look forward to being directly involved in the company’s day-to-day operations as we seek to exceed customer expectations.”
Under Perdue Partners leadership, Benton will continue existing service offerings and operations supported by more than 500 team members and 300 trucks. Perdue Partners will lend its extensive managerial and logistics experience to build upon the solid foundation for growth the company has built over three-quarters of a century.
“We are so pleased to find partners with substantial managerial and logistics experience to continue to build upon the respected Benton Express reputation that our family worked so hard to build over 78 years,” said Benton Express President Chip Matthews, who will continue to serve as a strategic advisor during the management transition period. “We are confident that the new leadership will result in a thriving and successful company that serves our great customers and employs hundreds of hard-working associates.”
“Transportation logistics is a key component in the global supply chain and our investment in Benton is a direct result of our belief that the Southeastern U.S. is strategically well positioned to participate in the rising consumerism around the world,” said Perdue Partners co-founder David Perdue and former CEO of Dollar General, Reebok and Pillowtex.
In addition, financial advisory firm EVE Partners, LLC assisted in the transaction. EVE Partners, headquartered in Atlanta with offices in Hong Kong, London and New York, is one of the largest dedicated transportation and logistics practices in the world.
Perdue Partners, LLC (www.perduepartners.com) is an Atlanta-based global trading company that facilitates U.S. commerce through trading, partnerships, consulting services, and strategic acquisitions. Joining David and Sonny Perdue as co-founders of Perdue Partners are Trey Childress, who served as Chief Operating Officer of the state of Georgia for Governor Perdue and Governor Nathan Deal, and Heidi Green, former Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
Childress will serve as President of Benton.
For more information on Perdue Partners, visit www.perduepartners.com.
Perdue Partners, LLC (www.perduepartners.com) is an Atlanta-based global trading company that facilitates U.S. commerce through trading, partnerships, consulting services, and strategic acquisitions.