Purolator buys customs broker Livingston amid heightened trade uncertainty
Written by The Canadian Press on February 4, 2025
MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Purolator Inc. says it is acquiring Livingston International, one of Canada’s largest customs brokers, boosting its trade expertise in the Trump era.
Purolator chief executive John Ferguson says the purchase, which closed Tuesday, will allow one of the country’s biggest couriers to help clients navigate shifting international rules and supply chains.
He said in an interview the uncertainty brought on by trade tensions and potential tariffs means demand for customs brokers will only rise.
The CEO also says 30 per cent of Purolator’s business stems from cross-border deliveries, making it vulnerable to the sweeping tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump.
However, Ferguson says he believes trade between the two countries will rise over the long term, benefiting the Canada Post-owned company.
Livingston, based in Toronto, says it employs about 2,700 workers at more than 50 border crossings, seaports and airports across the continent as well as in Europe and Asia. The price tag of the deal was not disclosed.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 4, 2025.
The Canadian Press