Ground handler Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has expanded its operations in France with the acquisition of French handler R.A.Hand.
R.A.Hand, which has around 60 agency clients, works with French and international freight forwarding companies to provide cargo handling services, storage, distribution and deliveries to airlines.
WFS said R.A.Hand was established in 2010 and is based at Paris Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Its warehousing space at the hub covers an area of 6,800 sq m warehouse and it employs 50 team members.
R.A.Hand's operations at Paris CDG will work closely with WFS' existing freight forwarder assistance team based in Paris.
The company generates revenues of around €6.2m each year.
Hugo Rodrigues, vice president business development Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEAA) at WFS, and newly appointed vice president at R.A.Hand, commented: “R.A.Hand is a well-respected and professional company with a strong customer base in the freight forwarding sector.
“This is a strategic investment which supports WFS’ development plan in France and our own growth in providing handling expertise directly to freight forwarding clients, including those currently operating regular air cargo charter flights to provide the capacity and network their customers need. This is an important and growing part of our business in Europe, which R.A.Hand will seamlessly fit into.”
He added: “In this new role, I look forward to continuing the successful work carried out by [R.A.Hand former president] Caff, alongside R.A.Hand's experienced team of handling specialists. Our priority will always be the satisfaction of our customers.”
Peter Caff, former president at R.A.Hand, added: “With WFS as majority shareholder and the leadership of Rodrigues, R.A.Hand can look forward to an exciting future. The operations of the two companies are very complementary and will create a strong platform for growth.”
