Alliant Energy subsidiary buys Wisconsin business

An Alliant Energy subsidiary has announced plans to make its second acquisition in three months, expanding the company's reach into new markets.

Alliant Energy Transportation has signed a purchase agreement with Business Transportation Solutions of Stoughton, Wis. The freight management company, which began operating in 2002, has 12 employees.

Kevin Burke, president of Alliant Energy Transportation, said Business Transportation Solutions opens doors to new markets in Wisconsin and beyond.

'They have an exceptional reputation and we're excited to utilize their expertise as we offer customers expanded supply chain solutions,” Burke said in a news release.

The companies expect the transaction to close within the next 90 days.

The deal follows Alliant Energy Transportation's purchase of Hybrid Transit Systems of Cedar Rapids in October. Hybrid Transit was founded in 2005 and provides a variety of freight movement services, including over-the-road trucking, rail, air and ocean freight.

No Alliant Energy utility customer revenue will be used to fund either acquisition, according to the company's news release.

Burke said Business Transportation Solutions and Hybrid Transit Systems are a key part of Alliant Energy Transportation's growth plan to provide customized supply chain solutions for customers.

Cedar Rapids-based Alliant Energy Transportation operates the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Railway and IEI Barge Services in East Dubuque, Ill.