Top Logistics Companies Join Forces to Purchase Forward Solutions

Three freight forwarding companies—The Cardinal Partnership, Davies Turner, and Woodland Group—have teamed up to buy UK-based freight software company Forward Computers Ltd. from the Freight Software Group. The new holding company, Forward Computers Alliance Ltd., now jointly owns Forward Computers Ltd.

Cardinal Partnership and Woodland Group have been long-time clients of Forward Computers, building their own digital logistics software in-house over the years. Davies Turner has also been looking into Forward Solutions' products to improve its freight management systems.

“When two of our clients and a potential client showed interest in joining forces to invest in the business, I knew it was a great opportunity,” said Freight Software Group CEO Christopher Hewlett. “They bring a lot of practical experience in freight forwarding and supply chain management, which will help design the next generation of systems. This move will likely lead to more jobs at Forward Computers, which will stay headquartered in Nottingham, without affecting the current IT setups of the three partners.”

Freight Software Group bought Forward Computers in 2019 and rebranded it as Forward Solutions in 2021. They will continue to own BoxTop Technologies.

“With hundreds of years’ collective experience in providing multimodal solutions across air, sea, road, and rail freight, the three partners understand how the industry is evolving, and how freight management software needs to evolve alongside to offer a range of processes and systems that deliver success,” said Brian Hay, CEO of The Cardinal Partnership.

This acquisition highlights the growing role of technology in logistics, with companies seeking innovative software to optimize operations in a fast-changing environment. Forward Solutions, under the new joint venture, is set to capitalize on this trend and meet the evolving needs of its clients while continuing to operate as an independent business.

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