A Dunedin freight company has been purchased by a global competitor.

DCB International has been based in Dunedin for 45 years.

It's been bought by Mainfreight for an undisclosed sum, and will continue operating under the new owner.

The purchase was highlighted by Mainfreight in its half-year financial report, released this week.

DCB International was founded in 1969 as Dunedin Customs Brokers Limited.

It provides services for international sea and air freight, as well as customs.

An extra two staff are expected to be employed at the company, which is due to expand under Mainfreight.