R&L top executive speaks out on implications of takeover

LAST WEEK’S surprise announcement of the acquisition by
European logistics operator Geodis of freight forwarding
major Rohde & Liesenfeld took many in the industry
by surprise. FTW’s Joy Orlek spoke to Hamburg-based
corporate chief operating officer Matthias Hansen
to find out the implications of the deal for the local
operation.
FTW: How does the
acquisition affect R&L in
South Africa?
R&L: It will have no
material impact. R&L
has been working with
Geodis since 2002 and
this relationship is now
cemented, creating a
powerful international
network.
FTW: Has the company
been for sale for some
time?
R&L: Not at all. It was
an unsolicited approach
that was followed through.
The shares of the R&L
holding company have
been sold to Geodis and
will be transferred to them
early next year subject to
competition board approval.
FTW: Why has R&L
chosen to sell?
R&L: There are several
reasons. Firstly Bodo
Liesenfeld is the sole owner
and has no successor. One
would therefore assume that
in 5–10 years a decision
would have been made
– it just came sooner than
expected.
Second, it’s a perfect fit
because we have worked
for so long with the Geodis
network; we know the
people and we understand
the culture.
FTW: Will the company
name change?
R&L: This hasn’t been
discussed but it’s likely that
the GeodisWilson brand
will ultimately be the target
for the overseas division. In
specific markets like SA and
Germany we will maintain
the R&L brand for a certain
time, but not forever.
There’s unlikely to be any
immediate change – we’ll
need to assess what sort of
benefit the brand brings to
the market.
FTW: What about staff
changes and rationalisation
of offices?
R&L: R&L operates very
successfully, especially in SA,
and the team therefore does
not need any staff changes.
In South Africa Jan Ludolph
will continue as MD.
There is not a lot of
overlap elsewhere in the
world so we foresee very
minor changes in terms of
offices and staff and we
believe there will be room
for all staff in the merged
operation.
FTW: What are the
benefits to R&L?
R&L: There are several
benefits, among them
a powerful network in
a number of countries
where R&L is not so
well represented, like
Scandinavia, as well as the
key accounts that Geodis
brings on board.
The feedback so far has
been extremely positive
from our own people who
see the benefits of a bigger
network and financial
stability – the future looks
good!