It’s business as usual following takeover

A TIE-UP between two major international freight and logistics operations has added more global muscle to the new group’s South African interest, says CEO of East- Rand-based BALtrans Clover Cargo, Vincent Magnus. This follows the acceptance of Australian Toll Holdings’ takeover offer for Hong Kong-based BALtrans Holdings, with Toll acquiring a 100% shareholding and intending to utilise the extensive BALtrans worldwide network as its international footprint. According to Toll MD Paul Little, the successful takeover of BALtrans was a key to Toll’s global freight forwarding strategy. Meanwhile, in SA, it is business as usual, according to Magnus. “The focus in SA remains on effective operations and growth,” he added. This change in shareholding will result in the local company gaining access to additional resources and synergies in the Asia Pacific region, according to Magnus. Toll Holdings is one of the Asia Pacific region’s largest transportation and logistics service providers – with extensive freight interests throughout Asia, Australia and New Zealand. It employs 27 000 people at 650 sites in 17 countries. BALtrans, meantime, is one of the largest Asia-based freight and logistics companies, with over 60 offices in 25 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America and Africa.