MSC buys controlling stake in Ukraine's Yuzhny box terminal
MSC is reported to have expanded its European port network this week, acquiring a majority ...
Omani-state owned shipping line and logistics group Asyad today completed its purchase of UK-headquartered freight forwarder Ligentia for an undisclosed amount.
The Loadstar reported in mid-February that German competition regulators had cleared the sale, which was under review in other jurisdictions.
Asyad today framed it as a “landmark acquisition” that marked “a significant milestone for both organisations, accelerating their global expansion and reinforcing their commitment to delivering innovative, end-to-end supply chain solutions”.
As with other state-backed Middle East firms building logistics networks through vertical M&A, the chief motivation for the purchase seemed to be Asyad’s desire to expand into more international markets, as well as increase its supply chain service portfolio.
However, it also noted that Ligentia’s in-house technology platform, Ligentix, was a key attraction and indicated it would roll it out across the Asyad group.
It said integration of Ligentix was “at the core of this strategic partnership”, adding: “This sophisticated ‘control tower’ provides clients with real-time visibility, ERP integration, and predictive analytics.”
According to Asyad, Ligentia’s business book comprises 6,000 customers around the world, mostly from retail, consumer, industrial, automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, and e-commerce verticals.
Group CEO Abdulrahman Al Hatmi said today: “This acquisition marks a defining moment for Asyad Group. By integrating Ligentia’s advanced digital capabilities and global network with our world-class logistics ecosystem, we are accelerating our expansion into key international markets.
“This move reinforces our commitment to deliver smart, integrated logistics solutions that create long-term value for our customers and partners worldwide, unlocking new global opportunities across critical trade corridors.”
According to S&P Global’s CapitalIQ platform, Ligentia’s revenue was $190m over the past 12 months under the previous owner, private equity fund Equistone Partners. It currently has 76 offices across 24 countries.
Its group CEO, Dan Gill, said: “Joining Asyad marks an exciting new chapter for Ligentia.
“Over nearly three decades, we have built a customer-focused business using a combination of technology and people to deliver innovative solutions. This partnership provides the scale, global reach, and strategic investment needed to accelerate our growth, while continuing to innovate and enhance the services we deliver to our customers worldwide.”
Meanwhile, over the past decade, Asyad claimed its turnover had grown from $320m in 2016 to an “estimated annualised level exceeding $2.1bn”.
The Ligentia purchase builds on its first foray into freight forwarding, in 2024, when it bought Dubai-based Skybridge Freight Services, also for an undisclosed amount.
Comment on this article