In which my investigative powers uncover the truth behind those missing Norberts
We created a family record today. We drove 1,151 km from the French Alps and got to home here in southern England by 8pm. Considering that there’s a ferry crossing in there, that’s not bad. Usually, I’m about ready to fall into bed by the time we pull up outside the house. Tonight, it feels like we have an evening to make use of.
Sharing this new feat of speed and endurance is only part of the reason for this post. What’s most important is that I have solved the riddle of the missing Norberts. (See this post for equal parts clarification and befuddlement.)
As on the drive down last week, I was keeping half an eye open for ND trucks. There was a double on the A39 south of Dijon and then a single truck pulling north from Reims. This latter truck was the key to the mystery. Although the side of the trailer had the famous ND and the Norbert Dentrassangle name emblazoned on the regular red background, the pulling tractor was marked up as belonging to XPO Logistics.
As soon as I saw the name XPO Logistics I started seeing XPO lorries everywhere. I had an idea.
When I got onto the ferry and logged on to the on-board crappy and expensive wifi, I discovered the truth:
GREENWICH, Conn. — June 8, 2015 — XPO Logistics, Inc. (NYSE: XPO) (“XPO”) today announced that it has consummated the previously announced agreement to purchase all of the shares of Norbert Dentressangle SA held by Mr. Norbert Dentressangle and his family, representing 67% of the company’s outstanding shares, at a price of 217.50 euros per share.
So, the family firm of Norbert Dentrassangle is no more. It has been enveloped by a US-based global logistics giant. And the famous red and the ND will be seen no more. Or at least not after the re-branding is complete. For their press release manages to praise the previous look in the same breath as promising to do away with it!
In Europe, the iconic red trucks formerly representing Norbert Dentressangle are being repainted to announce #WeAreXPO.
Instead, then, of the curvaceous ND, we are to be treated to a hashtag.
And, as if a hashtag wasn’t bad enough, we can also be treated to the how XPO Logisitics think of themselves.
XPO Logistics, Inc. (NYSE: XPO) is a top ten global provider of cutting-edge supply chain solutions to the most successful companies in the world. The company provides high-value-added services for surface transportation, including freight brokerage, intermodal, last mile and expedite; highly engineered contract logistics; warehousing and distribution; and global forwarding by ground, air and sea.
I think that means they move things around for you. If you’re important enough.
It’s a good job I never got round to building my Nail Norberts tracking app/game. What could I call it now? I don’t want to think about it.
