Canadian-based Customs Broker acquires US brokerage

June 17, 2024

Courtney Agencies Ltd, a 65+ year old Licensed Customs Broker and International Freight Forwarder based in Vancouver, British Columbia, is pleased to announce its recent acquisition of US-based PMK International LLC.

Owners of PMK International, Patrick and Mary Kastner, conducted a targeted search for a potential successor for PMK — a business they founded and built over more than twenty years. They approached long-time friends and associates, Paul Courtney and Virginia Weiler of Courtney Agencies Ltd (www.courtney.ca) primarily because they knew Courtney would respect their clients, their staff and their vendor-partners.

Both companies have deep roots in the industry and are of comparable size. Each has the reputation for delivering high-touch, personalized, expert service.

For the past number of months, Courtney and Weiler have been learning at the elbow of the Kastners and the PMK team; the reins are now firmly in their hands. “It was important to us to conduct the transition in a way that was seamless to our various stakeholders,” said Mary Kastner, who remains PMK’s Licensed Customs Broker of Record and business continuity advisor.

Courtney owners immediately saw the benefits. Having a strong foothold on both sides of the border makes the Courtney-PMK alliance a very attractive option for clients who do business in both countries and particularly those with complex global compliance requirements.

“It’s a unique offering,” said Courtney. “Most customs brokers are strong in one country and do their best to get by in the other. We look at the border from both sides now.”

The two “sister companies” continue operating independently with their own distinct brands.

For more information, contact Paul Courtney, President (604.787.0619 or paul@pmkintl.com) or Robin Sauvé, Communications (robin@courtney.ca)