91��Ƶ

June 2, 2016 6:00 PM, EDT

Big G Express, based in Shelbyville, Tennessee, is diversifying by adding regional flatbed carrier Ike Transportation, based in nearby Murfreesboro, for an undisclosed amount.

Employee-owned Big G runs 500 tractors and 1,300 trailers. Ike operates 41 tractors and 57 trailers, generating annual revenue of $9.7 million.

“This move will benefit all our employee owners since we’re acquiring a strong business that has a solid record of growth and profitability,” said Randy Vernon, CEO of Big G. “We’re expanding our revenue stream and protecting ourselves from fluctuations in the market.”

Ike President Steve Jones, one of the company founders, said Big G was chosen over other acquisition offers because it is a “family-oriented company” that shares the same values and culture. Jones and Steve Rutledge, Ike’s other co-founder and vice president of sales and development, will remain in their posts.��