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Networking Leads to International Business Deal SOURCE: The Business News, June 5, 2006 Cornerstone Business Services handles sale of Russian-based company, by Betty Wall “Now that we know some of the nuances (of international business), we will absolutely take a look at doing more. Anything is possible. Russia is so far away. But what it proved to me is that through e-mail and conference calls, you can get a lot done. And it is absolutely amazing how small the world is getting.” Scott Bushkie will never underestimate the power of networking. Bushkie, president and owner of Cornerstone Business Services Inc., Green Bay, said it was “basically networking and a very unique path” that led to this company’s handling of the international sale of a Russian-based railway consulting company, Transolutions to Amsted Rail of Chicago. “It’s the first international deal we’ve done and it is one of the biggest transactions we’ve ever completed,” said Bushkie. It was also one of the fastest transactions, taking just 90 days. Transolutions Inc. is a U.S.-managed business development and engineering company based in Moscow that focuses on the Russian/Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) rail industry. The deal enables Amsted Rail to enter one of the world’s largest railway supply markets, according to the company. Amsted Rail, which also owns Griffin Wheel Co. Inc. and Brenco Inc., supplies rail-car trucks, draft sills, couplers, draft gears, cushioning units, bearings, and cast-steel wheels. Marcus Montenecourt is managing director of Transolutions. He will continue in that role and will also serve as Amsted Rail’s managing director for Russia/CIS. Montenecourt founded Transolutions with two other expatriates in 1995. Cornerstone is located in Green Bay and also has offices in Milwaukee, Madison, and Detroit. So how did Bushkie get involved in the international deal? “There’s a gentleman in Green Bay, Tom Weber, who does international shipping and freight forwarding. He goes over to Russia quite a bit and he works with Marcus,” said Bushkie. Weber lived and worked in Russia for several years while his wife was working at the U.S. Embassy. Weber and Montenecourt became friends and business associates. Weber now lives in Green Bay and is an independent contractor. His company, Milhous Inc. does a lot of work moving oil and gas equipment and other cargo into Russia and the CIS. Weber currently runs his business out of Green Bay and provides project logistics services for Transolutions. |
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