Kerry Logistics Network Limited announced the acquisition of Shipping and Airfreight Services (Pty) Limited (S.A.S.), a well-established freight forwarding and logistics company based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Established 30 years ago, S.A.S. provides its international customers with flexible logistics solutions. With the takeover of S.A.S.’ 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.
S.A.S. freight forwarding unit offers a complete suite of ocean and air freight services, including Less than Container Load (LCL) and Full Container Load (FCL), as well as break bulk services for ocean freight cargoes. The service portfolio for air freight cargoes encompasses direct air freight shipments, consolidation, and charter services. S.A.S. also provides customised warehousing and distribution solutions to guarantee reliable services in the complex African market.
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 strategy to expand its coverage worldwide. 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.