Celadon Canada has purchased Yanke, in a blockbuster deal that sees Celadon accomplish its goal of creating a larger footprint in Canada.
Russel Marcoux, founder of Yanke Group, posted a message to the company’s drivers, indicating “The time has come for me to move on, and in keeping with the culture and values we created together at Yanke, it is important to me that the torch gets passed on to an organization that shares many of the same values and beliefs we all supported and practiced at Yanke.”
He went on to say “I am confident that Celadon Canada is a company that will continue to respect and value you as individuals rather than unit numbers and that you can expect open and honest communication and genuine concern for your well being, as you have become accustomed to at Yanke.”
He thanked drivers for their “loyalty, hard work” and “dedication” to the company.
Drew Shepherd, operations manager for Celadon Canada, said in a note: “Celadon Canada is honoured to take you on as a driver, and we are privileged to have Russel’s best wishes in working with you. As one of the TCA’s safest drivers, we are excited to maintain your employment and continue helping you and other Professional Transport Operators service existing customers across Canada and the United States.”
Shepherd said Yanke was a good fit for Celadon, as Marcoux was looking to retire and Yanke boasted a “great driver and customer base, offering growth to (Celadon’s) Canadian footprint.”
Yanke drivers will be retained by Celadon and it will be “business as usual.” Orientations for drivers will be held in Kitchener and Winnipeg over the next 60 days.