New Zealand freight and logistics firm Mainstream has acquired PBT, one of the country’s longest-standing transport operators, in a move that strengthens its national supply chain footprint.
The deal follows NZ Post’s acquisition last year of PBT’s courier business assets, marking another major chapter in PBT’s long-running operations.
Mainstream managing director Greg Haliday says the two companies share similar histories and values.
“When considering broadening our express freight market share it was only logical that we’d acquire the business that we hold the greatest respect for.
“Both companies are well regarded nationwide for operational excellence, and we share a similar history, each starting out as a family business with a passion for freight.”
Mainstream says the acquisition is not only strategic but also focused on providing certainty for PBT’s staff, contractors and customers.
“There is a strong focus on integration planning and stability across operations.
“Customers can expect continuity in service, relationships, and support, with no immediate changes to account contacts or services,” the company says.
Integration is already underway and is expected to be completed by September 1.
In response to questions from TransportTalk, Mainstream says while not all PBT staff will be retained, efforts are being made to bring most of the team onboard.
“This is a great result for the majority of the team who are coming across to Mainstream, and ultimately a good news story,” the company says, noting that the earlier NZ Post acquisition of PBT Couriers resulted in significant redundancies.
The company also confirmed it will be working with the majority of PBT’s existing owner-driver network.
“PBT is predominantly owner-driver based, and we are taking the vast majority of ODs along with us to cater to the volume and support the customer base that they work with on a daily basis, again providing continuity for the existing PBT customer base.”
Meanwhile, the future of the PBT brand is yet to be determined with no plans finalised at this stage.
“With the addition of PBT, Mainstream expands its capability across express freight, container transport, warehousing, and global forwarding. Reinforcing its position as one of New Zealand’s largest and fastest-growing logistics providers.”
Mainstream says that with shared values and strong leadership, the business aims to raise the bar for freight services both locally and globally.
