Mullen Group buys century-old customs broker Willson, adding US$58.7M in revenue
What's the deal? Mullen GroupDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has agreed to acquire Willson International, a Canadian and US customs brokerage and trade compliance provider, in a transaction expected to close in the fourth quarter. The Alberta-based logistics group, listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, did not disclose the price but said the deal will be funded from cash.
What each side brings: Founded more than 100 years ago, Willson employs over 330 people across Canada and the US, most of them customs-certified professionals. Mullen describes itself as one of North America's largest logistics providers.
What's the endgame? Willson becomes Mullen's second customs-brokerage platform alongside Cole InternationalDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, which it bought in 2025. It is expected to contribute about US$58.7M in annual revenue, with operating margins broadly in line with Mullen's Logistics & Warehousing segment.
What changes? Willson will keep running as a standalone business under its existing leadership, led by Jim McKinnon. Its Canadian operations fall under Mullen's Logistics & Warehousing segment and its US operations under the US & International segment.
"Willson's customs brokerage expertise, customer relationships and cross-border capabilities are an excellent strategic fit with our organization," said Murray K. Mullen, chair and senior executive officer.
Why now? Customs and compliance work holds up across trade cycles, since documentation and reporting are required regardless of volumes. That resilience has drawn Canadian logistics groups toward cross-border and customs capabilities amid shifting trade rules.
The signal: The deal extends Mullen's acquisition-led expansion — purchases, led by Cole International, drove much of its 10.2% year-over-year revenue rise in Q1 2026 while some existing businesses stayed subdued. It mirrors a wider pattern, with rival FastfrateDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → closing its OmnitransDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → customs-brokerage acquisition in April. This is a strategic deepening rather than a scale play: Mullen is building trade-compliance depth, though Willson's integration benefits remain to be proven.
Read more: finance.yahoo.com
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