Guqula Holdings hits the acquisition trail

Freight Haul purchase likely to be the first of several JOY ORLEK BLACK-OWNED logistics and supply chain group Guqula Holdings is on the acquisition trail. Following last week’s announcement of the purchase of a 50% shareholding in transport major Freight Haul, further developments could be in the offing. Guqula acquired a 50% share of Natro Group Holdings and its subsidiary Natro Fuel and Chemical Logistics two years ago. “The idea with Guqula is to provide BEE credentials to companies in need, particularly where the association provides positive spin-offs for the group,” says Natro MD Jake Alberts Guqula is 15% owned by Investec, Alberts holds 12% of the shares, with the remainder in the hands of black empowerment partners. The imminent publication of the BEE codes of conduct is creating a greater compliance urgency than ever before and Guqula will be on the lookout for synergistic partnerships, says Alberts. In terms of the latest deal, both companies will retain their own identities, but Freight Haul vehicles will carry the Natro Guqula branding. “We intend to take the company to the stock exchange within the next year,” he told FTW. “If you look at where the economy is going, it made sense to have a good container operator on board,” said Alberts, outlining the background to the move. “All our container cargo will now go to Freight Haul and any cargo they don’t handle – be it breakbulk, project or the like – comes over to us. We identified Freight Haul as the best container operator in the country.” With its combined resources, the group will be looking at new markets. “The Cape and PE routes are not part of the Freight Haul portfolio right now, but with their expertise and fleet we can start expanding to try to encompass the whole of Southern Africa into Africa. “Whether we go overborder still needs to be decided. “We’re a very diverse group,” says Alberts. “Our philosophy is diversity, footprints and using diversity to grow ourselves into other spheres.” By the beginning of next year the company, which employs 600 staff, expects to have a 500-strong fleet. Its network will include Richards Bay, Durban, Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Boksburg, Rustenburg, Polokwane, Gaborone and Kitwe. “And by the end of June next year our goal is to reach a turnover of R1bn a year.”