ROCKLAND, MA, AUBURN: ROI Corporation  (http://roibusinessbrokers.com), a leading firm for the transfer of ownership of businesses, today announced the sale of East Branch Trucking Company of Auburn, Maine to Portland Air Freight, a premier provider of transportation services.

Gary Rayberg, principal at ROI Corporation, represented the seller, Thomas Boyd, who will remain on board as General Manager for one year before moving to the West Coast.  Terms of the sale were not disclosed.

More than 50 highly-qualified Commercial Driver’s License drivers from East Branch Trucking, most with Hazmat endorsements, will retain their jobs as a result of the acquisition.  They will also benefit in another significant way; in 2011 Portland Air Freight transitioned to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and is now 100% employee owned.

East Branch Trucking Company, founded in 1990, is a successful LTL (less than truckload) carrier focusing on the transportation of palletized freight to niche markets.  Incorporated in Maine, the company serves all six New England states from four cross dock locations; the company maintains a total of 27 doors and a generous fleet of trucks.

“Everything went very smoothly with the transaction,” said Boyd, extending thanks to Rayberg and his  “highly professional and experienced team.”

“We congratulate both Tom Boyd and the Portland Air Freight team on this transaction and wish all the best in the future,” said Rayberg. “And what a huge benefit it is for the former East Branch employees to be part of an ESOP company where everyone has a financial stake in its success.”

He added, “The transportation industry is one that is increasingly in demand by people looking to buy businesses; ROI has worked a great deal in this industry, and we are always glad to assist anyone in the purchase or sale of one of these businesses.”