Kerry Logistics has acquired Johannesburg, South Africa based freight forwarding and logistics company, Shipping and Airfreight Services (S.A.S.).
The South African company was established 30 years ago, and the takeover of S.A.S.’s air and ocean freight entities means Kerry has expanded its services in the South African freight forwarding market.
The Johannesburg office will be managed as part of Kerry Logistics’ Europe division.
S.A.S. freight forwarding unit offers a complete suite of ocean and airfreight services, with the air portfolio including direct shipments, consolidation and charter services.
The company also provides customised warehousing and distribution solutions to guarantee reliable services in the African market.
Kerry Logistics managing director of Europe, Thomas Blank says: “South Africa’s economy has an important standing on the African continent with excellent trade lanes not only to the Chinese market but also the large exporting economies of the European Union.
“We are pleased about this great opportunity to further develop our business through this trade. We are glad to welcome the entire S.A.S. team into the Kerry Logistics network. Their experience and local knowledge will strengthen our freight forwarding capabilities in Africa.”
S.A.S. managing director, Carla Laue says: “S.A.S. looks forward to joining the Kerry Logistics family and adding first-hand knowledge of the African freight forwarding market to Kerry Logistics’ global network. Together, we will work to bring South Africa even closer to markets around the world.”
The acquisition is part of Kerry Logistics’ long-term international freight forwarding strategy to expand its coverage, having extended its presence across Central Asia under the Belt and Road initiative.
In Europe, Kerry Logistics has made acquisitions in Spain, Germany, and Italy, and opened its first own office in Warsaw, Poland.
