CEVA Logistics’ strategic expansion plan across the African continent is further gathering pace with the acquisition of ASTI Group, a Customs clearance service provider in Morocco.

In a statement, CEVA said ASTI has been a long-term partner for the company for more than two decades and have delivered a range of multi-modal services to customers across the North African country in that time.

Through acquiring the company, CEVA Logistics said it will expand its range of export capabilities, specifically reefer services – in cooperation with its parent company the CMA CGM Group and Contract Logistics activities in both Casablanca and the Tangiers Free Zone.

The new operation will be looking to capitalize on the strength of the automotive industry in the country, a vertical in which CEVA Logistics is a market-leader.

ASTI is already a top ten logistics player in the Moroccan market with almost 100 full-time staff members based at the two locations which will additionally offer air, ocean, ground (domestic and international), project logistics and Customs clearance services.

It is fully certified with the authorities and has a direct EDI interface with Customs.

“The acquisition of ASTI further enhances our standing in the African market and shows our ambition for the continent as a whole.  We believe there is enormous potential across a range of freight services and extending the CEVA brand in its own right in Morocco will set us on the road to further success,” said CEVA Logistics’ CEO Mathieu Friedberg.

Adds Ahmed Belmrah, CEO and founder of ASTI Group, meanwhile noted that “the sale of ASTI to CEVA Logistics is the logical continuation of our historic partnership and constitutes an important step in the strategic development of CEVA Logistics in both Morocco and Africa”.