Cryoport Acquires Bluebird Express
Purchase grows the company’s CRYOPDP domestic footprint while strengthening working relationship between both parties.
Cryoport, Inc, a temperature-controlled supply chain solution provider for the life sciences industry, is growing its global supply chain network1 with the acquisition of Bluebird Express, LLC, a provider of time-sensitive domestic and international transportation services. Bluebird Express will join Cryoport's CRYOPDP business unit.
Bluebird Express has more than 20 years of experience in logistics solutions, specializing in both domestic and international air and ground transportation. It is a fully accredited cargo agent certified by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and an indirect air carrier (IAC) authorized and regulated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Cryoport’s working relationship with Bluebird Express dates back to 2016.
This announcement builds off of momentum from Cryoport’s October collaboration with Catapult,2 an organization that specializes in the advancement of cell and gene therapies. That deal—which will see the parties begin operations in early 2024—allows Cryoport Systems to establish its first global supply chain logistics center in the UK, a good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant facility located within the bioscience cluster in Stevenage.
“CRYOPDP has extensive experience in supporting the life sciences industry, including the rapidly growing market for cell and gene therapies,” says Cedric Picaud, CEO, CRYOPDP. "… The addition of Bluebird Express, whom already has an extensive working relationship with Cryoport, and its team of seasoned veterans will merge into CRYOPDP's global network and will expand our US presence and enhance our capabilities in this critical life sciences market and further enable us as we continue to deliver unparalleled service and value to our clients."
Company officials also note that although this deal makes a splash within the US, it also provides optimism for having an international impact.
“Bluebird Express’ competencies combined with CRYOPDP's existing capabilities will allow us to offer an even greater array of end-to-end logistics solutions to both our US and global life sciences clients. Additionally, Bluebird Express’ major operating centers in New York and Los Angeles, along with the expertise of its team will increase our US footprint as well as further the expansion of our global infrastructure and competencies,” notes Jerrell Shelton, CEO of Cryoport. “The resulting synergies will create significant global cross-selling opportunities throughout our organization.”
References
1. Cryoport's CRYOPDP Expands U.S. Footprint with Acquisition of Bluebird Express. Cryoport. November 16, 2023. Accessed November 17, 2023. https://ir.cryoport.com/news-releases/2023/11-16-2023-133057445
2. Cryoport and Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult Announce Strategic Collaboration at Stevenage Manufacturing Innovation Centre for Advancement of Cell and Gene Therapies. October 10, 2023. Accessed November 17, 2023. https://ir.cryoport.com/news-releases/2023/10-10-2023-133124202
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