Ruan Transportation Management Systems has acquired Michigan-based National Truck Brothers Inc. in a deal announced on Oct. 28. According to a news release, National Truck Brothers will continue to operate as an independent member of the Ruan network of companies. Founded in 1974, National Truck Brothers operates more than 235 trucks with 270 employees. Its customers include grocery stores in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, Kentucky and Wisconsin. Ruan, one of the largest family-owned transportation and logistics companies in the country, has extensive experience serving a variety of industries and its culture closely aligns with that of National Truck Brothers, the release stated. “Growth through acquisition has been relatively uncommon at Ruan, but we have done so selectively when there’s a true, strategic fit and the opportunity to sustain and strengthen relationships with important customers. We’ve found these positive elements at NTB,” Ruan CEO Ben McLean said in the release. Rick Foster, one of National Truck Brothers founder Dan Koster’s sons and the company board chair, said the acquisition will help ensure a long and prosperous future for the company. “Sometimes charting the best path to accelerating progress and sustainability requires taking strategic leaps like joining forces with the right parent company,” he said. “This agreement with Ruan provides a great opportunity for NTB to continue to grow and provide stability for our team members and customers.”