Spectrum hints at further acquisitions

Impson combination ‘a perfect match’
ALAN PEAT
THE NEW combined operation of Spectrum Shipping and Impson Freight sees “a perfect match” between the two businesses, according to Glen Gerber, Spectrum CEO. In the three years of redevelopment of Spectrum from a clearing house into a provider of ‘end-to-end’ international supply chain logistics solutions, the company has remained pretty lean - with all additional costs being attributed to the re-alignment of the business. Impson, a 30-year-old quality business, brings with it the infrastructure, experience and skills that are required to expedite the growth of the group, he added. In its restructuring, Spectrum has been transformed into a supply-chain logistics service provider using intelligent “end-to-end” logistics solutions – with the additional services offered by its five new subsidiaries creating the basis for it to be a one-stop-shop for logistics solutions. It now combines Spectrum Shipping NVOCC (non vessel-owning common carrier); Spectrum Warehousing Solutions (SWS); e-OSCI Logistics - providing information technology; Supply Chain Insurance Brokers - providing marine and other insurance products; and Supply Chain Financial Services. The purchase of Impson, Gerber added, has “acquired and integrated capabilities and intellectual capital whilst at the same time benefiting from optimised size”. There is also synergy in the global business partnerships of the two companies, he said. Although he would reveal no detail because of the “cautionary” ruling of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) – where Spectrum is listed on the alternative exchange (AltX) – Gerber told FTW that the company was still on the acquisition trail.