UPS Logistics Group, a subsidiary of United Parcel Service, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a majority interest in UNI-DATA AG, a leading logistics provider for the high tech industry in Europe. The transaction is subject to customary approvals.

The acquisition is the latest development in UPS Logistics Group’s strategy to create a global network of logistics centers and strategic stocking locations that enable the urgent delivery of critical parts, often within hours.

In the past 18 months, UPS Logistics Group has acquired seven companies in the supply chain management and service parts industry. The UNI-DATA acquisition will bring the number of countries served by UPS Logistics Group to more than 60. “UNI-DATA’s strong position in the German and eastern European logistics markets, its well established customer base and excellent reputation for quality make it an ideal partner,” said Bill Caplan, managing director, UPS Logistics Group, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia. UNI-DATA offers highly specialized supply chain management solutions focusing on service parts logistics services such as installation and repair, spare parts and warranty management, urgent delivery services and reverse logistics. In 2000, the company developed distribution network in Germany and across Europe, which it built with the support of its major shareholder, Odewald & Compagnie, a German private equity firm. “The combination of UPS Logistics Group and UNI-DATA will significantly enhance market opportunities for both companies and their employees,” said Johann Maier, chief executive of UNI-DATA.

UNI-DATA’s selling founders, Johann and Martin Maier, are set to continue their close involvement with the company. Terms of the cash transaction were not disclosed.

UPS Logistics Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of United Parcel Service and was established in Europe in 1995. The European headquarters are located in Woking in the UK. UPS Logistics Group has four key service offerings: Supply Chain Management, Transportation Services, Service Parts Logistics and Logistics Technologies.

UPS Logistics Group has 420 locations in more than 50 countries.