Global logistics operator Agility is expanding its African footprint through a joint venture South African supply chain specialist Super Group after acquiring a minority stake in Micor, the Johannesburg-based company’s freight forwarding unit.
The new unit will be led by Henk Theron, formerly chief executive of Micor.
Super Group, listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange, is a leader in South Africa’s supply chain and contract logistics market.
Micor has been a global strategic partner for Agility since 2005. The new venture, SG Agility, will offer local and multinational customers a range of logistics and supply chain solutions, including airfreight, ocean freight, road freight, customs clearance, warehousing, and distribution.
SG Agility will have more than 150 employees. Its head office is Johannesburg; branch offices are located in Port Elizabeth, Durban and Cape Town.
Elias Monem, Agility’s chief executive of Middle East & Africa, said: “South Africa is vital to our strategic growth and expansion in Africa. It has well-developed financial, legal, communications and transport sectors, along with an open trade policy and a comparatively strong domestic market.
“The joint venture with Super Group is a sign of our commitment to both South Africa and the continent.”
Theron said: “Partnering with Agility gives our customers access to a leading international logistics provider with a strong global network and a legacy of proven performance.
“Our team on the ground and experience in the market allow us to add value to Agility’s operations and further the growth and development of the logistics industry in sub-Saharan Africa.”
Agility already has operations in Egypt, Algeria, Angola, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa providing logistics services across the continent, including warehousing, freight forwarding, customs clearance and project logistics.
Agility’s Infrastructure group operates in Ghana, Rwanda, Libya, Uganda, Ivory Coast, Malawi and Mozambique, providing services that include warehousing and infrastructure construction, aviation and camp services.
In July 2015, Super Group acquired a 75% interest in the parent company of IN tIME, a German time-critical delivery operator servicing 18 countries in Europe, and focused on the automotive, electronics, hazardous goods, life sciences, pharmaceutical, temperature controlled, emergency blood and medical service industries.
