MONTREAL, Que. – TransForce has announced its two latest acquisitions, both of which happen to be Quebec-based fleets.

Mirald Transport, a family business that specializes in truckload transborder transport, was the first fleet absorbed.

“This acquisition will reinforce our presence in the truckload transborder sector, which is a key area of our business,” says Alain Bedard, president and chief executive officer of Transforce.

Mirald will continue to operate from its location in Boucherville and Gerald Lacaille will remain company president.

The second TransForce purchase, aimed towards bolstering the company’s truckload sector presence, is the outstanding shares of Transport Besner.

This includes Gestion Reseau Besner, Besner Atlantic Trucking and Besner Central Trucking – which specialize in domestic and transborder truckload activities in eastern Canada and the U.S.

Headquartered in St. Nicolas, Quebec, the combined revenues of the Besner group of companies for the year ended Feb. 28, 2002 were $43 million.

Michel Besner will remain as president of the group of companies, with his management team. Jean-Francois Dodier will also remain as vice-president and general manager.

“The acquisition of the Besner group of companies is designed to advance our strategic growth plan,” adds Bedard.

“Our core mission is to offer a full range of transportation and logistics services throughout North America, concentrating of markets where we have a competitive advantage.”

He explains the domestic and transborder truckload business represents a key market for TransForce and all of its offshoot companies.