Baton Rouge-based Loadstar has acquired Atlas Marine Services, a Houma-based company that specializes in shore tankerman services, or the loading and unloading of hazardous cargo from barges.
Founded in 2021, Loadstar provides product handling and site logistics services to the refining, chemical and marine industries. The company has seen steady growth since its inception, expanding both its geographic footprint and its service offerings.
In a statement, Loadstar says the acquisition represents a significant expansion of its marine operations business—its barge tankerman services, in particular.
“This is another step in our effort to build Loadstar into the premier service provider in the industry,” Brian Haymon, Loadstar’s founder and CEO, says.
The current leadership of both companies will remain in place, with Atlas founders John Breaux and Michael Meche set to step into top roles at Loadstar.
Breaux will move into a business development role, and Meche will serve as director of marine operations and report to Loadstar Vice President of Operations Brett Murray. The transition will be effective July 1, and Loadstar is anticipating no disruptions for its customers.
“We are joining Loadstar as a team,” Meche says. “Our leadership is staying engaged, and our focus remains on the people who have helped build Atlas into what it is today. We are entering a stronger future, together.”
Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
