DP World agrees to buy Imperial Logistics for $890 million

KARACHI: DP World has entered into a transaction implementation agreement to acquire all outstanding shares of Imperial Logistics at a cash offer of ZA66/share, implying an equity consideration of ZAR12.7 billion ($890 million), a statement said on Thursday.

This offer represents a premium of 39.5 per cent to the Imperial’s share price as of July 7, 2021 and a 34.2 per cent premium to the 30-day volume weighted average price.

“This transaction is subject to Imperial shareholder approval and other customary completion conditions, including regulatory approvals. It is expected to close in 4Q 2021 or 1Q 2022,” it added.

Imperial is an integrated logistics and market access solutions provider with a presence across 25 countries, including a significant footprint in the high growth African market.

The group focuses on key fast-growing industries, which include healthcare, consumer, automotive, chemicals, industrial and commodities.

Imperial’s business has been built on longstanding partnerships with beneficial cargo owners with key relationships averaging more than 15 years, in addition to serving as a trusted partner to many multinational clients, principals, and customers, the statement said.

It provides two key solutions, market access and integrated logistics. The market access offers cargo owners faster access to end-consumers through complex route-to-market solutions, while integrated logistics delivers efficient end-to-end supply chain solutions, including lead logistics, contract logistics, and road freight and air and ocean freight management.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, chairman of the group and chief executive officer of DP World, said: “We are excited to announce the acquisition of Imperial, which will add significant strategic value to DP World given its attractive footprint and strong logistics solutions capability.”

“Imperial has a market leading presence in Africa, a market where trade is expected to grow at more than 2x GDP driven by population growth, accelerated urbanisation and rising middle classes.”

He also said: “Imperial’s business strongly complements DP World’s existing footprint in Africa and Europe and will allow DP World to deliver a fully integrated end-to-end solution to cargo owners across a wider market.”

“This acquisition will be DP World’s most significant investment on the African continent, which, despite the challenging global and domestic economic environment, demonstrates our long-term confidence in the South African economy and the wider regional market,” he said.

“Further, DP World has a proven track record of contributing to the sustainability and development of the economies in which it operates.”

“Imperial also adds new capabilities and strong long-term relationships with cargo owners, which further enhances DP World’s infrastructure-led supply chain solutions offering. By leveraging our best-in-class infrastructure across inland logistics, ports and terminals, economic zones and marine logistics network, DP World aims at removing inefficiencies and providing improved connectivity in fast growing trade lanes such as Asia, the Middle East and Africa,” Bin Sulayem added.

“DP World aims at building on Imperial’s platform and accelerate its existing transformation strategy to deliver greater scale and provide compelling value-added supply chain solutions to cargo owners across a wider market, which will drive returns and value for all DP World stakeholders,” the DP World CEO said.

“The acquisition will be funded from the existing available resources. DP World continues to make positive progress on its capital recycling programmes and remains fully committed to its leverage target of below 4.0x Net Debt/EBITDA by the end of 2022,” he added.

Mohammed Akoojee, Group CEO of Imperial Logistics, said: “This transaction will be value-enhancing for Imperial as our business will benefit from DP World’s leading technology, global networks and key trade-lane volumes, while enabling us to build on our ‘Gateway to Africa’ strategic and growth ambitions.”

“Our logistics international business and operations are also aligned with DP World’s strategic expansion plans on the European continent. Combining DP World’s world-class infrastructure, specifically its investment and expertise in ports on the African and European continents, with Imperial’s logistics and market access platforms will enable us to offer integrated end-to-end solutions along key trade lanes into and out of Africa and accelerate our position in Europe, driving greater supply chain efficiencies and ultimately enhancing value for all stakeholders.”

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