GIANT BRITISH international distribution group Inchcape has acquired Voigt Shipping, a local specialist in the transport logistics of key bulk commodities, through their Inchcape Shipping Services division.
Inchcape Shipping Services is part of one of the largest independent shipping networks in the world, distributing motor vehicles, soft drinks, consumer and industrial products, and office equipment for many of the world's leading and best-known companies. The company has a turnover of around £6 billion (R42-bn), and employs over 33 000 people in 67 countries.
According to Graham Bog, director of Ships Services for Inchcape, the move to acquire Voigt, which is itself one of the largest ship's agencies in South Africa with branches at Durban, Richards Bay and Cape Town, reflects Inchcape's commitment to move away from traditional Ôgeneralist' services and provide more specialist, customer and product focused capabilities.
The strength and product expertise of Voigt management and staff makes the company an excellent fit and a sound base for building our business in South Africa, he said, confirming that all of the 43 Voigt staff have been retained to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of business.
Bog told FTW that the creation of Ôtheatres' of activity around the world was central to Inchcape's ÔTalking Your Trade' strategy. With Voigt's core activities being ship services and bulk logistics, coupled with its strategic location in South Africa, the business fits exceptionally well with Inchcape's focus on the development of key commodity markets. The acquisition forms an integral part of our global ambition to provide a specialist commodity-based service that meets the precise requirements of charterers, owners and operators within these sectors. The new venture will be headed by Paul Voigt with headquarters in Durban. We are delighted to become part of this organisation and look forward to playing our part in the continued global support and development of our customer base, he said.
The new enterprise will provide full agency coverage of all major SA ports.
