Major cold storage and logistics company AGRO Merchants Group has announced the acquisition of Australia's Doboy Cold Stores, as part of its global growth strategy. 

Founded in 1979 as a family-owned business, Brisbane-based Doboy has grown into one of the most successful cold storage operators in Australia.

Doboy operates out of two sites located near the Port of Brisbane and maintains a diverse product mix that includes meats, seafood, fruit, nuts and bakery items. The company's managing director David O’Brien will continue in his current role with AGRO Merchants.

AGRO said acquisition represented 'an important entry into the Asia Pacific region.'

Brisbane is Australia’s largest export port of processed meat products, capturing approximately 60% of all processed beef shipments.

It also represents an important geographic point in the region, as the largest competing ports in Sydney and Townsville are more than 500 miles away.

The Port of Brisbane is well served by all major shipping lines offering services to ports in key markets like Japan, South Korea, the U.S. and China. AGRO added there was 'significant investment' currently underway to further improve port infrastructure.

"Doboy is a natural match for AGRO’s business," AGRO Merchants Group CEO Neal Rider said.

"Their focus on the Australian beef industry will contribute to our global network and point-to-point trade strategy. Philadelphia, PA, which is an important location for us, is the largest destination port for Australian frozen and chilled meat imports into the U.S.

"We also receive large volumes of Australian meat through four other port locations in the U.S. The opportunity to expand Doboy’s operations on adjacent owned land is attractive. We look forward to integrating Doboy’s customers, employees and partners into our network."

O’Brien said the acquisition would provide customers with 'market-to-market opportunities and trade flows'.

"AGRO is considered a leading service provider by many of the top exporters from Australia. Their global strategy will allow us to expand services, volume and capacity. AGRO a great cultural fit for Doboy," he said.

AGRO owns and operates 55 facilities in nine countries across North America, Latin America and Europe, with more than 750,000 square meters of cold storage space.

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