IN a move that further drives its expansion in the African continent, Aramex, the leading global logistics and transportation solutions provider, has acquired the master franchise for the PostNet brand in South Africa. PostNet is South Africa's largest privately-owned counter network in the document and parcel industry. The transaction involves a 100 per cent buyout of the business from current owner OneLogix Group for USD16.5 million. PostNet provides a one-stop business center for entrepreneurs, businesses, households and consumers, offering services including courier, copy, digital print, stationery, mailboxes and more. Since starting operations in 1994, PostNet South Africa has grown into a chain of 287 stores and services 55,000 customers daily across the country. While Aramex will own the master franchise for PostNet in South Africa, each PostNet store in the country will continue to be owned and operated by the respective franchisees. As master franchisee, Aramex will work in close collaboration with each PostNet store, to further grow the retail potential of the brand in South Africa. Following the acquisition, Aramex B2C services, including international and domestic express shipping and its unique e-commerce business Shop and Ship (called Aramex Global Shopper in South Africa),, will be made available across all PostNet locations in South Africa. This will further extend Aramex's reach in Africa by giving PostNet customers full access to its client – focused, technology-driven solutions. Hussein Hachem, Chief Executive Officer of Aramex, said: “We are excited to further expand our global network through the acquisition of PostNet's master franchise. As we continue to scale Aramex into new growth markets and bridge trade corridors, this acquisition will expand Aramex's volume of business in Africa considerably. Investing in growth markets' e-commerce sectors is also part of our wider strategy to maintain Aramex's position as an e-commerce market leader, which is why we are disciplined in our approach to potential acquisition targets. Aramex only targets companies such as PostNet who are a perfect strategic fit in order to leverage their suitable, scalable synergies with our existing infrastructure. We will remain bullish on our outlook for future acquisitions in markets across Asia, the Middle East and Africa in particular, both to build our operations and strengthen our global footprint.” — SG
