MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Manitoulin Global Forwarding has acquired Can-Tran Intl., an international freight-forwarding enterprise, based in Leduc, Alta. This is the second business based in Western Canada to be acquired by Manitoulin in the last two months.

Founded in 1985, Can-Tran provides a full suite of solutions to Alberta clientele, including freight forwarding, customs brokerage, ground transportation, and distribution and warehousing. With the majority of its customers in the oil and gas industry, officials say Can-Tran has gained significant expertise in complex project moves, especially those involving drill rigs. All Can-Tran employees will remain with the company, according to officials.

“Can-Tran is a natural fit for us, for three reasons,” said Dwayne Hihn, president of Manitoulin Global Forwarding. “First, it is a major player in Western Canada, with a solid base of loyal clients. Second, it specializes in the oil and gas industry, a growth-sector we already service and which we intend to build on in future years. Third, its corporate culture mirrors Manitoulin’s, with its unswerving commitment to meeting customers’ unique needs.”

“We are excited about the merge,” said Barry Young, former Can-Tran president.  “We can feel confident that the customers we’ve had the privilege to serve for many years will now enjoy even greater flexibility and reliability by being able to access the full suite of services offered by the Manitoulin Group.”