NEP Sells SOS Global to Logistics Firm Rock-it Cargo

Rock-it Cargo has acquired SOS Global From NEP Group to create the “largest global specialty logistics provider in the live touring, sports, and broadcast markets,” according to the announcement from Rock-It’s parent company Global Critical Logistics (GCL). The acquisition closed on January 31, 2024, and terms were not disclosed. NEP originally acquired SOS in 2019, when it was still an independent company.

The North Carolina-based SOS specializes in freight forwarding and logistics services for live events, particularly in the sports and broadcast industries. They service every major US sports and news broadcaster, the largest US professional sports leagues, and many of the largest vendors to these companies. Based in New Bern, NC, SOS prioritizes speed and control in its deliveries with additional offices across the United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates.

Ed Reno, president of SOS, who will remain with GCL and report directly to Rosenthal, said, “Our team is very excited to combine forces with Rock-it. SOS brings a robust domestic network and operational capabilities designed to meet the needs of our sports and broadcast clients. Joining a larger international specialty logistics leader will be good for our customers and good for our team.”

Rock-it and its sister companies have offices in 18 countries and, in 2023, completed shipments in more than 115 countries. Rock-it leverages its comprehensive network and experience to deliver end-to-end solutions for its customers. Rock-it’s core leadership in live music touring has been enhanced in recent years by diversifying into and growing in the sports and broadcast, film and TV production, and high net worth goods sectors.

The acquisition aligns with GCL’s strategic plans to strengthen Rock-it’s global position within the sports and broadcast sector, as well as enhance its domestic capabilities in the live touring, events, film and theater categories. In 2023, more than 85% of GCL’s revenue was earned from international shipments, whereas a majority of SOS’s revenue was earned domestically.

GCL has made several acquisitions recently to bolster its global capabilities serving the live touring, sports, broadcast, film and TV production, fine art, and classic and high-value automobile sectors. This buying spree includes the acquisitions of Classic Automotive Relocation Services (CARS), the largest global transporter of high-value automobiles, and Dynamic International, one of the top international logistics providers for film and TV productions.

“Today we bring together two trusted brands with a combined 83 years of experience,” says Daniel Rosenthal, President and CEO of GCL. “For 38 years, customers have known they can ‘SOS’ their most valuable goods via a 24/7/365 operational hub. SOS’s legacy will be strengthened as part of Rock-it Cargo, with expanded services and global access via our unrivaled network. I have been thrilled to get to know Ed Reno and the SOS team, and I cannot wait to grow our business and serve our customers better together. The breadth, depth and skills of Rock-it and SOS is unparalleled in global live performance touring and live sporting events.”