Saia Inc. on Monday, July 2, announced that it has acquired Robart Transportation Inc. and its subsidiary, The RL Services Group (the Robart Companies), headquartered in Duluth, Ga., for $7.8 million, plus an earnout subject to performance of the acquired companies in 2013.

“This acquisition supports our strategic goal of diversifying our portfolio of service offerings,” said Rick O’Dell, president and chief executive officer of Saia, a Johns Creek, Ga.-based less-than-truckload company. Sharon Burton, who currently serves as president and CEO of nonasset-based Robart, will continue to lead the operations of the acquired companies, which had $12 million in revenue in 2011.

Saia intends to rebrand the Robart Companies under the Saia name later this year. “By enhancing our service capabilities, there are distinct advantages for our customers,” said O’Dell. “I believe this acquisition will provide solid growth opportunities. The Robart Companies bring the strength of longstanding customer relationships as well as their unique expertise in truckload and logistics segments to the Saia portfolio.”