Kerry Logistics swoops on South African forwarder

Kerry Logistics Network has acquired forwarder Shipping and Airfreight Services (SAS) as it looks to expand its presence in South Africa.
Johannesburg-based SAS’ forwarding unit offers ocean and airfreight services, including Less than Container Load (LCL) and Full Container Load (FCL), as well as break bulk services for ocean freight cargoes.
For airfreight, the company provides direct shipments, consolidation, and charter services. SAS also provides customised warehousing and distribution solutions.
"With the takeover of SAS’ air and ocean freight entities, Kerry Logistics expands its service offerings in the South African freight forwarding market, leveraged by a first-class network of agents in Africa. The new Johannesburg office will be managed as part of Kerry Logistics’ Europe division," Kerry said.
Kerry Logistics managing director of Europe Thomas Blank said: "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 SAS team into the Kerry Logistics network. Their experience and local knowledge will strengthen our freight forwarding capabilities in Africa."
Kerry pointed out that as the second largest economy in Africa, South Africa is an important manufacturing hub for the global automotive market.
The automotive industry is responsible for a significant amount of South Africa’s imports and exports and will continue to make foreign trade a staple of the country’s economy.
"This acquisition is part of Kerry Logistics’ long-term international freight forwarding (‘IFF’) strategy to expand its coverage worldwide," it said.
Over the past year, Kerry Logistics has been growing its network and services under the Belt and Road initiative and expanded its presence in nine countries across Central Asia.
In Europe, Kerry Logistics enhanced its footprint with acquisitions in Spain, Germany, Italy, and opening of its first own office in Warsaw, Poland.
Read more freight forwarder news