Bison Transport has new ownership it says will enable it to better meet its ambitious growth plans.
On Jan. 1, James Richardson & Sons (JRSL), a Manitoba-based conglomerate whose businesses run the gamut from agriculture to oil and gas production, reached a deal to take over the company from the Jessiman family. Bison was founded in 1969 by Duncan Jessiman and the family’s holding company Wescan has continued to own the company since.
(Photo: Bison Transport)
Bison has become one of Canada’s most prominent trucking companies, operating more than 2,100 tractors and 6,000 trailers across North America, with more than 3,700 employees and contractors. It also owns H.O. Wolding, Searcy Trucking, and Britton Transport.
Rob Penner, president and CEO of Bison Transport, said Bison has an aggressive five-year growth plan and needed deeper pockets to execute it.
Bison will continue to operate under its current brand, and there will be no changes to its executive or management team. The change in ownership will be seamless for employees, contractors and customers, Penner added. However, expect to see Bison making a bigger splash in the mergers-and-acquisitions space.
The company has a five-year plan to reach $1.5 billion in sales, representing more than 50% growth from current levels, and that includes $500 million to come from U.S. operations – a key target for future growth.