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History

Historical highlights

1945
  • Gerry Livingston’s export packaging firm incorporated, under the name Livingston Lumber & Manufacturing Ltd.
  • Grows for 30 years in warehousing and transportation.

1960
  • The Tillsonburg “Livvies,” a local basketball team sponsored by Gerry Livingston, won the Canadian basketball championships.

1967
  • Name changed to Livingston Industries Limited.

1978
  • Launched into customs brokerage.
  • Grew by acquisition over the next 10 years.

1981
  • Changed name to Livingston International.

1986
  • Businesses restructured under Livingston Group.
  • Customs brokerage unit named Livingston International.

1993
  • Expanded into U.S. customs brokerage, to become the first customs broker operating coast to coast in both countries.

1997
  • Livingston International bought by private equity investment firm, CAI Capital.

1999
  • Bought Blaiklock, a Canadian  customs broker about 25% Livingston’s size, with international freight forwarding; Blaiklock Inc. was Canada’s oldest customs brokerage firm, established in 1876.

2000-2001
  • Named one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies in 2000.
  • Requalified for the award again in 2001.

2002
  • Became publicly traded as an income trust, trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange: LIV.UN.
  • Acquired Consultrans, a small transportation brokerage company, to double its North American truck operation.

2003
  • Acquired Osowski, a Chicago-based customs broker and freight forwarder, to launch into U.S. air/sea business.

2005
  • Bought Great Lakes, a U.S. northern border broker, and its software arm, which developed SmartBorder® for U.S. air/sea brokers.
  • Acquired Searail, a Vancouver-based vehicle transportation broker.

2006
  • Successfully acquired PBB Global Logistics, Livingston’s largest competitor, a Canadian-based customs broker and third-party logistics provider operating in North America.

2010
  • Was acquired by Sterling Partners and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.
  • Acquired Maquilogistics, establishing a presence along the U.S.-Mexico border.

2011
  • Acquired Hipage, increasing air/ocean strength and gaining presence in southeastern U.S.

2012
  • Acquired customs and trade compliance business, formerly known as Vastera, from JPMorgan, extending operations to Mexico, Europe and Asia.
  • Expanded customs brokerage and international freight forwarding capabilities primarily in U.S. with acquisition of Dell Will, Maher, Evans and Wood, Jensen and MBLX.

2013
  • Acquired Advantex Express Inc. in Canada as well as its two U.S. entities, Advantex Express, Inc. and Andina Group International.

2014
  • Acquired FPA Customs Brokers, based in New York and Los Angeles, increasing specialization in the retail and textile industries.

2015
  • Expanded into Brazil and India through Global Trade Management services to support clients.

2016
  • Expanded into Taiwan through Global Trade Management services to support clients.
  • Acquired Montreal-based Affiliated Customs Brokers including its related companies: Affiliated Customs Brokers USA, J.A. Léveillé & Fils, P. Mines Customs Brokers, A.W.W. Kyle Logistics Inc., and ACTS.