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FedEx to Acquire Watkins Motor Lines, a Leader in Long-haul Freight Transportation.
Acquisition to allow FedEx to provide more choices for heavyweight deliveries; Addition of long-haul LTL capability expands freight portfolio to meet customer demand.
FedEx Corporation announced an agreement to acquire the less-than-truckload (LTL) operations of Watkins Motor Lines and certain affiliates for $780 million, payable in cash. Heavyweight freight customers will benefit from the additional choice that this new, reliable and cost-effective solution will add to the FedEx Freight portfolio of services.
Watkins Motor Lines, a privately held company headquartered in Lakeland, Fla., is a leading provider of long-haul LTL services. With over $1 billion in annual revenue, Watkins will be rebranded FedEx National LTL and operate as a separate network within the FedEx Freight segment. The transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of fiscal 2007 and is subject to customary conditions, including government approvals. The acquisition is not expected to have a material effect on the fiscal 2007 financial results of FedEx. As part of the transaction, FedEx has also agreed to acquire the assets of Watkins' business in Canada, Watkins Canada Express. Watkins Canada Express will be rebranded FedEx Freight Canada and will extend FedEx Freight's reach in the market and create opportunities for growth. Strategic Investment
"This acquisition will extend our leadership position in the heavy freight sector and provide new growth opportunities for the business," said Frederick W. Smith, chairman, president and chief executive officer of FedEx Corp. "Our customers have increasingly asked us to provide a broader range of transportation and supply chain services, and as a result of this acquisition, we will be in a better position to meet their expectations." "Since its formation in 2001, FedEx Freight has continued to grow and strengthen the financial returns of FedEx Corporation and its shareowners," said Alan B. Graf, Jr., executive vice president and chief financial officer. "We expect Watkins to follow in those footsteps. We believe that Watkins will achieve strong financial returns and be accretive to the long-term financial goals of the company." FedEx Freight and Watkins have complementary service offerings. The addition of Watkins' three-day or more long-haul service to FedEx Freight's industry-leading next-day and second-day regional LTL service will extend FedEx's leadership position in the freight sector. "FedEx changed the landscape in the freight industry by delivering time-sensitive LTL shipments with the reliability for which FedEx is known," said Douglas G. Duncan, president and chief executive officer of FedEx Freight. "This acquisition is an opportunity to do more business with our current shippers and to target new customers with a comprehensive LTL solution - allowing us to grow faster than the industry in which we operate." Complementary Businesses
FedEx Freight and Watkins together will form the industry's most well-rounded LTL transportation solution, providing customers with an unmatched suite of solutions under one brand. The companies are also a strong cultural fit, sharing a commitment to their workforces that fosters dedication to delivering extraordinary value to customers. Both organizations have a dedicated, highly trained, flexible workforce that drives superior, on-time performance. Watkins management will remain in place with Chip Watkins serving as president. He will report to Patrick L. Reed, executive vice president and chief operating officer of FedEx Freight, who has responsibility for all LTL operations in the United States. Segment Leadership
FedEx has long recognized the value of reliable, LTL transportation to the global supply chain, creating FedEx Freight in 2001. Since its formation, FedEx Freight has grown to become the largest regional LTL provider in the United States. FedEx Freight has raised the service level in the regional LTL sector, providing innovative customer solutions, enhanced information technology and value-added features such as a no-fee money-back guarantee and FedEx Freight Advance Notice(SM), a proprietary tool that proactively informs customers of the status of their shipments. With Watkins, FedEx Freight will extend its hallmark commitment to customer service and innovation to the long-haul LTL sector, building on Watkins' strong reputation for service and reliability. Analysts and Media Information
A conference call for financial analysts and media will be held at 10:00 a.m. (EDT) on Tuesday, May 30, 2006, and will be Webcast at www.fedex.com/us/investorrelations. A replay of the conference call Webcast will be posted on the site following the call and will remain available for approximately one year. For B-roll/video content about this FedEx acquisition, please log onto www.thenewsmarket.com/fedex to preview and request video. For editorial use only, print and online images may be downloaded from fedexnational.fedex.com. Source: Press Release
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