Australia's logistics and supply chain management solutions provider Brambles (ASX: BXB) has announced its bid to acquire IFCO Systems NV for $US1.255 million ($1.27 million) to expand the company's supply chain business in the US and Europe.

In a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange, Brambles said acquiring IFCO will expand its subsidiary CHEP's reusable plastic containers (RPC's) business to create a global RPC business with a broad base in Europe and the Americas.

"The purchase of IFCO represents a unique opportunity for Brambles to enhance its position as a leading pooling solutions provider and acquire operations with a strong growth profile," Brambles chief executive Tom Gorman said in a statement.

"IFCO is a natural fit with Brambles existing RPC and pallet businesses and will allow us to continue to deliver on our strategy of diversifying our revenue base by product platform, geography and customer type."

Brambles will purchase 95.9 per cent of IFCO for $18.75 per share.

Brambles said the transaction would be earnings per share accretive from the point of ownership.

The Sydney-based firm is a leading provider of supply chain and information management solutions through its two businesses, CHEP and Recall.

Brambles employs more than 12,000 people in over 45 countries and has total assets of US$5.2 billion as at 31 December 2009, the company's website said.