Sydney-based Toll Group has announced the acquisition of Logistic Distribution Systems (LDS), a private international freight forwarding company in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Toll Group said the Middle East and in particular the UAE was a key strategic market for the rapidly expanding company. “The acquisition of LDS enhances our existing operations in the Middle East and is consistent with our growth strategy. It will be funded from existing cash reserves and the transaction is expected to be EPS accretive in year one,” said Toll Group’s managing director, Paul Little.

LDS, headquartered in Dubai, provides an integrated international sea and air freight forwarding service through its extensive operational platform in Dubai and the Jebel Ali Free Zone.

The company serves the import, export and trans-shipment requirements of retail, trading, industrial and infrastructure customers in the UAE, with strong volumes in the key European and Asian lanes, according to Toll.