expand into global fresh and frozen foods network. In September 2013, Kuehne + Nagel agreed to merge its railfreight business with VTG to form VTG Rail Logistics, which would be Europe's largest private railfreight business when it starts operations in 2014. In April 2014, Kuehne + Nagel International was fined $3.1 million for its part in a freight forwarding cartel case brought by the Commerce Commission. Kuehne + Nagel was the last defendant in the seven-year investigation involving six firms, who referred to themselves as the "Gardening Club" and used horticultural code to discuss anti-competitive practices among them. The regulator's investigation uncovered emails that referred to agreed surcharges as "the new price for asparagus for the forthcoming season" or "the price of marrows". In June 2020 the 2021 Rugby League World Cup announced that Kuehne + Nagel would become the official Logistics Partner of the tournament, providing logistics services, including requirements for all of the 61 matches across the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments, all 32 participating teams, and the fulfilment of warehousing and storage needs. Organization The group employs more than 78,000 people in 1000 locations in more than 100 countries and has approximately 12 million sqm of warehouse space under management. It is organised in the following five geographical divisions: Europe (based in Hamburg, Germany) Middle East and Africa (based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates) North America (based in Jersey City, New Jersey, United States) Central & South America (based in Santiago de Chile, Chile) Asia Pacific (based in Singapore, Singapore) Operations Kühne + Nagel is divided into the following operating segments: Sea Logistics Air Logistics Road Logistics Contract Logistics Rail Logistics Services Kühne + Nagel provides sea freight and airfreight forwarding, contract logistics and overland businesses; with a focus on providing IT-based logistics. Its freight forwarding (sea / air) services, include the necessary arrangement for the transport of goods by road and rail. Its contract logistics unit offers warehousing and distribution services. KN Integrated Logistics includes 4PL Management, Supplier & Inventory Management, Aftermarket Management and Supply Chain Technology. KN Integrated Logistics acts as the single point of contact with full operational responsibility with focus on supply-chain integration. Kuehne + Nagel's solutions extend to the world's largest industries including: aerospace, automotive, fast-moving consumer goods, high-tech & consumer electronics, industrial goods, oil & gas, retail, pharma & healthcare. Leadership Board of Directors Joerg Wolle (Chairman) Klaus-Michael Kuehne (Honorary Chairman)