Johannesburg, 13th January 2012 – IMPERIAL Logistics, a global leader in logistics and supply chain management has acquired international, cross border transporter IJ Snyman Transport, an established carrier that operates in Angola, DRC, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia. Known for cross-border delivery efficiencies, Snyman strengthens the Group’s African presence and capacity.
With a ten year track record, IJ Snyman Transport is a trusted Logistics Service Provider (LSP) to leading retail, FMCG and construction brands. Through its established Southern African and International divisions, IMPERIAL Logistics’ service delivery comprises fundamental logistics and end-to-end supply chain management solutions to blue chip customers in almost every industry.
“With a growing middle class, increasing urbanisation and technological access as well as untapped resources and agricultural potential, development of Africa’s supply chain is imperative for sustainable growth,” said Marius Swanepoel, IMPERIAL Logistics CEO. Through its Africa division, it is rapidly expanding across the continent, particularly as customers enter new markets.
“We are honoured to become part of a global logistics and supply chain management leader. Our customers stand to gain significant competitive advantages through the acquisition,” said Sakkie Snyman, Managing Director at IJ Snyman Transport, adding that investment in the continent by African companies is essential to boost critical intra-African trade.
“Expansion throughout Africa is an exciting growth area for us,” said Swanepoel, referring to September data published by the Africa Business Confidence Index (ABCI) which points to promising prospects for the manufacturing and non-manufacturing business sectors. Supply chain failure, he noted has a significant impact on the health of any economy.
“On our continent, the development and upgrading of Africa’s sub-Saharan Africa transport corridors can strengthen the value proposition of the region’s logistics offering,” he said, highlighting that throughout 2011, multi-modal solutions have increasingly proven their worth. “The Trans Kalahari, Walvis Bay and Maputo Corridors are growing the region’s strategic importance. Expansion enablement of regional multi-modal capacity requires solutions that effectively balance road, rail, waterways, pipelines and air.”
“We welcome the IJ Snyman Transport team to IMPERIAL Logistics. Africa’s strategic importance within the global supply chain will continue to rise. There is growth for all through developing and maintaining supply chains, end-to-end on our continent,” concluded Swanepoel.
