WINNIPEG, MB – An executive with Winnipeg-based Searcy Trucking Ltd. says the company’s acquisition of Renold’s Transport Ltd. was a good fit for both parties.

“There are lots of synergies here,” said Norm Blagden, vice president of Searcy Trucking, of the deal announced Friday. “Renold’s specializes more in heavy haul but it is still open deck transport. We do a lot with flat decks and step decks. It all fits in very well.”

Renold’s Transport, which was established in 1984 as a one-truck operation, now has 30 trucks and 60 trailers, offering specialized wide-load and LTL freight services throughout Canada and the continental United States, with a staff of about 40 people.

Blagden said Renold’s Altona, Man.-based staff can rest assured that the transition will be smooth.

“No one likes to be sold, but I think they knew this was coming and I suspect they’re glad that it was bought locally,” he said. “There are no plans to change the staff. I think they’ll find that any changes that are made will be positive ones. We want to grow the business.”

He said Renold’s currently uses a “home-built” I.T. system that will probably be changed over the next six months or so.

The acquisition brings Searcy’s operation to more than 110 trucks, 150 trailers, and 130 employees. Both Searcy (a member of the Bison Transport group of companies) and Renold’s will continue to operate as stand-alone companies over the next year.

“The acquisition of Renold’s is part of our commitment to growing Searcy to meet the open deck and specialized transportation needs of the western Canadian marketplace,” said Don Streuber, president and CEO of Bison Transport, Inc. “The combination of Searcy and Renold’s brings together seasoned and committed management teams, support staff and driver base. Through Bison, they will have access to the depth and support of a much larger national carrier, including our systems, I.T., and administrative services.”

Renold’s founder and president Renold Sawatsky said he feels blessed to have led an organization of great drivers and staff, who put customers first.

“When I made the decision that it was time to hand over the reins of my business, I thought that Searcy and Bison would be a great partner for us,” he said. “Both companies put their people and customers first, which is a core value of Renold’s.

Sawatsky will stay on to help the Searcy leadership group integrate and grow the business.