C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc., the large freight broker and third-party logistics provider, said today it has acquired APC Logistics Pty. Ltd., an Australian freight forwarder and customs broker, for US$225 million in cash and debt. The move is aimed at strengthening Robinson's international network by bringing specialized global capabilities in house.

Melbourne-based APC has represented Robinson as its agent in Australia and New Zealand for more than 16 years. It has seven offices in Australia and two in New Zealand. Privately held APC reported revenues of US$251 million in its fiscal year ending June 30.

"This acquisition allows us to add great talent to our Global Forwarding team, and advances the strategy to expand our global network," said John Wiehoff, Eden Prairie, Minn.-based Robinson's chairman and CEO, said in a statement.

Robinson's Global Forwarding unit operates in 37 countries on four continents. Once the deal closes, Robinson will integrate APC Logistics into its Global Forwarding division. The deal is expected to close in September.