French-Anglo Merger between
SDV International Logistics and JE Bernard Positions the Bolloré
Group as a Formidable Global Force.
Global freight management and logistics solutions provider SDV
International Logistics, the transport and logistics division
of the Bolloré Group, today announced the merger of JE
Bernard in a move to strengthen its UK operations and to further
consolidate its position as a true global provider of freight
management and logistics solutions products. This significant
merger is consistent with SDV Group’s pan-European development
programme and will bring into balance its strengths within the
European markets, following an earlier acquisition of the Geis
Network in Germany.
The merger with JE Bernard will add significant value and increase
capability to the SDV Group, which has for some time been seeking
to develop a stronger position within the UK, and is seen as a
perfect fit between two unique organisations with highly differentiating
yet very complimentary services, products and resources.
Commenting on the merger, Herbert de Saint Simon,
CEO SDV International Logistics Europe, said: “The merger
between SDV Group and JE Bernard is one of huge importance to
us, creating a dynamic platform upon which we can build in the
future. To this effect, we will continue to strengthen our European
operations with further developments expected in the very near
future”.
Commenting on the merger, Ed Kimber, the Bernard
Group Chairman and CEO, said: “The Bernard Group has enjoyed
rapid expansion over the last decade with particular emphasis
on the development of our supply chain logistics solutions, customs
and legislative compliance products, but realised we needed a
true global platform to seamlessly serve and dynamically respond
to our customers’ ever-changing needs as they compete in
today’s fast paced global economy. The merger with SDV International
Logistics is a realisation of these requirements, enabling global
reach and enhanced capacity, offering genuine solutions to complex
supply chain issues, whilst forming a truly world-class organisation.
A major consideration to both organisations was the perfect match
of our people, assets and mutual customers which as a consequence
made this a very exciting and compelling business proposition,
creating an organisation of 445 offices in 88 countries, employing
over 26,000 people. In the UK alone, the newly merged company
will boast 17 locations, 6 purpose built freight terminal facilities
and employ over 500 members of staff.
Bolloré Group is a diversified industrial group with a
wide range of activities including Transport & Logistics,
Fuel Distribution, Industrial activities, Media & Communication,
Plantations,… It employs 31 000 people in 105 countries
with a turnover of 6 Billion Euros. Transport and logistics is
a core part of the Group’s operations and this acquisition
confirms the Group’s commitment to building world-class
freight forwarding & logistics businesses.
Within the Bolloré Group, transport & logistics account
for 60% of total turnover with some 3.6 Billion Euros in 2006.
Contact:
SDV International Logistics
Tel. +33 (0)1 46 96 44 14
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