BDP International (BDP), a privately-held global logistics and transportation services company based in the US, announced it has acquired full ownership of its joint venture with the transportation division of Merlin Logistics GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany. BDP established the joint venture called BDP International GmbH in 2004. Now a wholly owned subsidiary of BDP, the company will continue under the leadership of Alexander Ruf, managing director, who reports to BDP President and CEO Richard J. Bolte, Jr.

"Our relationship with Merlin has been evolving over the past several years," said Frank P. Osusky, chief financial officer of parent company BDP. "Given the importance of chemicals to the German economy and our firms' respective strengths in chemical logistics, it was time to reinforce our position with a wholly-owned presence. As such, it also represents another vital step in positioning our infrastructure and service portfolio for growth in Central and Eastern Europe through highly selective acquisitions, joint ventures and affiliations."

In addition to Merlin, the company has wholly-owned subsidiaries in France, Belgium and The Netherlands, a joint venture in Italy and affiliates in every country in Europe.

Established in 1994, Merlin Logistics has 200 employees with headquarters and central warehousing facilities in Frankfurt. The company also has offices in Hamburg, Duesseldorf, Stuttgart and Munich. Its service portfolio comprises a range of transportation / logistics services, as well as value-added competencies including cost analysis, process control and procurement, manufacturing, storage, dispatch and recycling of industrial goods.

"We're excited about becoming a full member of the BDP family," said Ruf. "The move gives BDP an even greater stake in Europe, while reinforcing our ability to serve multinational clients through BDP's extensive global network."