“The scheduled amalgamation of Bidvest-owned Safcor Panalpina and Rennies Distribution Services (RDS), to create Bidvest Panalpina Logistics, will create a combined entity with an impressive global service offering”, says managing director, James Reddy.

The new company will operate from 26 locations within South Africa and have a joint staff complement of close to 1 500 nationally.

“Over the past few years, RDS and Safcor Panalpina have played significant roles in contributing positively towards the performance of the Bidvest Freight Division. While Safcor Panalpina has operated primarily as a leader in the clearing and forwarding industry, RDS has built up an impressive warehousing and distribution network for clients across 20 locations in South Africa,” he added.

“With many of our clients requiring a more integrated supply chain and logistics service offering, it was a logical step to bring the two companies together.”

Panalpina boasts a network of over 500 branches in 80 countries and partner companies in a further 80 countries. This global network, coupled with Bidvest Panalpina Logistics, allows us to offer global door-to-door supply chain solutions for both our current and future clients.

Reddy says both companies have similar business models in that they both offer dedicated client solutions, as well as multi-principal and volume based service offerings. In addition to this, Safcor Panalpina recently invested in a world-class operating system whilst, at the same time, RDS invested in more innovative warehousing and transport management systems. Together, the value proposition in substantially increased.