Cris Arens
Managing Partner
Cris’s focus is on the Logistics Technology and Non-Asset Based sector (freight forwarders, NVOCC/IAC, CHB, 3PL, etc.). Once the preparation phase is complete, Cris leverages his network with U.S. and multinational companies to identify potential partners in the industry with a synergistic fit. He oversees the preparation process and handles negotiation of the LOI terms, staying involved with the Logisyn engagement team until a successful transaction is concluded.
Cris has decades of on-the-ground experience in the logistics industry, and has worked in dozens of countries solving complex supply chain and technology challenges. In the mid-1990s he co-founded Fountainhead / CargoWise which went on to become a major industry technology. Cris saw a global opportunity that would require more scale, and he helped merge the U.S. company with an Australian firm in 2006. Post-merger he ran global sales and U.S. operations while being a significant shareholder and member of the Board of Directors.
After CargoWise (now WiseTech), Cris was recruited by a private equity firm to act as the industry consultant in an acquisition of a publicly-traded logistics company. It was an eye-opening experience and it was the beginning of his commitment to use his network and experience to help mid-size and privately held firms manage the difficulties of the M&A process.
Cris has a BS degree in Business Management from St. Cloud State University, Minnesota. He enhanced his organizational behavior/technology knowledge with graduate work in finance/international business at DePaul University, Kellstadt School of Business MBA program. However, his real education comes from 30+ years working with hundreds of logistics entrepreneurs and executives; analyzing and advising on their business plans, technology challenges, and financial statements. He likes to play billiards, chess, golf, train his two dogs, travel, and work in his garden... and he can still drive a forklift.