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New York investment firm acquires large Charleston logistics company

Christina Lee Knauss //January 6, 2023//

New York investment firm acquires large Charleston logistics company

Christina Lee Knauss //January 6, 2023//

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A New York-based infrastructure investment firm has consolidated its position in the Charleston market by merging Charleston-based ATS Logistics Inc. with one of its portfolio companies.

On Thursday, NOVA Infrastructure announced that its portfolio company Harbor Logistics LLC has acquired Charleston’s ATS.

ATS will operate as part of the growing Harbor Logistics platform, which made its first investment in Charleston in 2021 and is now the market leader in warehouse and drayage capabilities, according to a news release.

“ATS is an essential component of the Port of Charleston’s supply chain and import/export activity,” said NOVA founder and partner Allison Kingsley in the release. “Combining the talented ATS team with Harbor Logistics brings additional operating expertise and complementary customer relationships to a strategically-located port market.”

ATS is the largest drayage provider by volume for the Port of Charleston and has one of the largest asset-based fleets at the port. (Photo/ATS)Headquartered in Charleston, ATS is the largest drayage provider by volume for the Port of Charleston and has one of the largest asset-based fleets at the port, as well as a strategically located warehouse that includes the only centralized examination station for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Charleston.

“ATS embodies the asset-based capacity and a customer-focused approach that the industry needs,” said Micah Mallace, Harbor Logistics’ president and former chief commercial officer of the Port of Charleston. “Harbor Logistics looks forward to partnering with the existing ATS management team to deliver these capabilities and continue the company’s and the Port’s strong growth.”

ATS co-founder Jimmie Gianoukos said in the release that he founded the company alongside his brothers in 1986. Gianoukos will serve on the Harbor Logistics board of directors and is also chairman-elect of the S.C. Carolina Trucking Association.

“We are excited for our existing team to collaborate with NOVA and its Charleston-based Harbor Logistics business for this next phase of the company’s growth,” Gianoukos said.

Harbor Logistics also owns Premier Logistics, one of the largest warehousing, storage, and transportation 3PLs in Charleston with truck and rail service.

NOVA was advised on the ATS transaction by Scudder Law Firm, P.C., L.L.O. and Jones Day.

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