Kerry Logistics Network Limited has acquired Shipping and Airfreight Services (Pty) Limited, a freight forwarding and logistics company based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

According to Kerry, the takeover of S.A.S. is part of the its long-term international forwarding strategy to expand its coverage worldwide and will allow Kerry to expand its service offerings in the South African freight forwarding market, supported by a network of agents in Africa. The new Johannesburg office will be managed as part of Kerry Logistics’ Europe division.

“South Africa’s economy has an important standing on the African continent with excellent trade lanes not only to the Chinese market but also the large exporting economies of the European Union,” said Thomas Blank, managing director of Europe at Kerry Logistics. “We are pleased about this great opportunity to further develop our business through this trade. We are glad to welcome the entire S.A.S. team into the Kerry Logistics network. Their experience and local knowledge will strengthen our freight forwarding capabilities in Africa.”

S.A.S. was established 30 years ago and provides its international customers with flexible logistics solutions. Its freight forwarding unit offers a complete suite of air and ocean freight services, including less-than-container load and full-container load, as well as breakbulk services for ocean freight cargo. The service portfolio for air freight includes direct air freight shipments, consolidation and charter services. S.A.S. also provides customized warehousing and distribution solutions in the African market.

“S.A.S. looks forward to joining the Kerry Logistics family and adding first-hand knowledge of the African freight forwarding market to Kerry Logistics’ global network,” said Carla Laue, managing director of S.A.S. “Together, we will work to bring South Africa even closer to markets around the world.”

South Africa is the second-largest economy in Africa and is an important manufacturing hub for the global automotive market.

Kerry Logistics has expanded its presence in nine countries across Central Asia over the past year, and has also enlarged its footprint with acquisitions in Spain, Germany and Italy, as well as the opening of its first own office in Warsaw, Poland.