AP Moller-Maersk has wrapped up its US$545 million acquisition of US warehouse and distribution firm Performance Team to boost its third-party warehousing and distribution offering. The acquisition raises the number of Maersk's North American warehouses to 46 and will enable the company to expand its regional logistics services for ocean container shippers. Maersk's warehouse facilities provide logistics services, transload, consolidation, e-commerce fulfilment, inland drayage, facility management, yard management and value-added services. In recent years, Performance Team has established itself as a leading provider of e-commerce, retail, wholesale, omnichannel distribution and transportation services. It has 24 distribution centres in the Los Angeles area, New York and Miami, as well as in Dallas/Fort Worth; Louisville, Kentucky; Shreveport, Louisiana; and Edgerton, Kansas, reported American Shipper. "Our customers now have the opportunity to add Performance Team's omnichannel fulfilment services into their supply chain to create a hold and flow model customised to their specific needs," said Maersk's North America managing director Narin Phol in a statement. "We believe our logistics strategy is well-positioned to support their end-to-end supply chain solution needs." Maersk estimates the warehousing and distribution sector to be valued at $200 billion globally and $50 billion in North America. "There is a significant growth opportunity for third-party warehousing and distribution players as only a small part of the warehousing and distribution sector in North America is currently outsourced and e-commerce is growing 12 per cent annually," Maersk said. "Increasingly, retail brands are looking to continue to expand ecommerce sales to reach new customers to complement their store sales." Performance Team, a 33-year old company, has 5,000 customers and operates in 8.6 million square feet of warehouse and distribution space throughout the US.