News / Thai forwarder JWD buys into Laem Chabang terminal operator ESCO

Laem Chabang port © Juan Jose Vadell

Thai freight forwarder JWD has agreed a $15m deal for a significant 20% stake in Laem Chabang terminal operator Eastern Sea Laem Chabang Terminal (ESCO).

The family of JWD chairman and CEO Charvanin Bunditkitsada own more than 42% of the shares in the forwarder which will become a partner of global terminal operator PSA SE Asia in Bangkok when the deal is finalised in October.

Mr Bunditkitsada said: “The company has set the policy to continuously invest in accordance with the five-year strategic plan to increase the capability for multimodal transport services.”

He added the board saw the transaction as an opportunity for JWD to expand its sphere of operations.

ESCO operates a container terminal at the Laem Chabang deepsea port in Chonburi province and is an inland container depot service provider at Ladkrabang.