Three independent freight forwarding and supply chain management companies, The Cardinal Partnership, Davies Turner, and Woodland Group, have joined forces to acquire UK-based freight software provider Forward Solutions.

Following a comprehensive due diligence process, the trio established a joint venture holding company, Forward Computers Alliance Limited, to facilitate the acquisition from the Freight Software Group.

Both The Cardinal Partnership and Woodland Group have long been clients of Forward Solutions, previously known as Forward Computers, and have invested heavily in developing their own in-house digital logistics software. Davies Turner, meanwhile, had been evaluating Forward Solutions’ products to potentially enhance its existing freight management systems.

“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, speaking on behalf of the new owner.

“As co-owners, we look forward to supporting Forward Computers in further developing its range of software solutions that help its clients adapt to an ever-changing landscape,” Hay added.

The Freight Software Group acquired Forward Computers in 2019 and rebranded it as Forward Solutions in 2021. The company will retain ownership of its BoxTop Technologies business.

The acquisition underscores the growing importance of technology in the logistics sector, with companies increasingly seeking innovative software solutions to optimize their operations in a rapidly evolving landscape. Forward Solutions, under the ownership of the logistics alliance, is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend and cater to the evolving needs of its clients.

Importantly, Forward Solutions will continue to operate as a completely independent business under the Forward Solutions brand, ensuring client confidentiality remains a top priority.