Mullen Group announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Cole Group, including Cole International, Abco International Freight., and all related entities. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the second quarter.

The Cole Group is a privately owned logistics services company specializing in customs brokerage, freight forwarding, and trade consulting. It operates from 43 locations throughout Canada and the U.S., employing more than 700 employees.

“We will be adding another outstanding company to our portfolio of independently managed business units. Not only is the Cole Group an industry leader in customs brokerage and trade consulting, which happens to be one of the most talked about issues of the day, they have a sizeable 3PL freight service offering, a service that aligns very closely with our U.S. and international logistics segment,” said Murray K. Mullen, chairman and senior executive officer of Mullen Group, in a news release. “These will be great additions to the Mullen Group.”

He added that added that the Cole Group will continue to be overseen by its current senior leadership team.

Mullen Group says it plans to fund the acquisition through its existing cash and credit facilities.