Nine months ago, SGL acquired SAL's longstanding partner, Horizon International Cargo (UK, USA, The Netherlands, Spain and Japan). The addition of SAL to the SGL family connects the dots and creates additional important synergies which allow for further penetration in segments like Technology and Pharma & Healthcare.
"The acquisition of SAL is a natural fit for us and supports the continued development of our expanding organization in Asia and worldwide. SAL's strategically placed offices will strengthen our existing setup and bolster our service offerings to our existing common customer portfolio," explains Group CEO Allan Melgaard.
Increased commercial synergies
Combining the experience and capabilities of the two organizations will allow for further expansion in several segments such as Consumer Electronics, Technology, and Pharma & Healthcare, all sectors with significant growth potential. Furthermore, an increased market share in Intra-Asia, Far-East Westbound and Trans-Pacific Eastbound trade lanes coupled with SAL's vast experience in cross-border supply-chain services will enable SGL to provide extended and improved services to its customers worldwide.
A strong cultural fit
Besides the notable commercial synergies, a strong cultural fit is an essential characteristic of SGL's acquisition strategy.
Robert Rankin, Managing Director of SAL, comments:
"From the beginning, it was evident that our two companies share the same virtues and customer-centric approach. Joining SGL allows our employees to be part of SGL’s incredible journey. Our organization's perfect cultural fit will help us create substantial results for our customers in the future and accelerate the organization towards achieving its ultimate goals.
Robert’s sentiments are supported by Rickard Ingvarsson, CEO Asia:
"We are delighted to welcome so many highly qualified and knowledgeable industry experts to strengthen our existing operations in China and Hong Kong. Knowing our new colleagues fit right in enables us to reinforce our relations with our global customers through increased and improved support of their activities from day one."
The infrastructure will remain unchanged, and all 180 employees, including the entire senior management team, will play an essential role in the company's continued journey. SGL's organization will grow to over 500 employees in China and Hong Kong.
Improved time to market
In the Hong Kong Logistics Park, SGL will cater to the build-up and break-down of own controlled airfreight pallets and offer in-house X-ray screening capabilities. The ability to offer comprehensive airfreight services under one roof will provide customers a smooth and rapid service and the opportunity to accommodate late delivered cargo using in-house trucking operations.
"SAL also offers state-of-the-art inventory management and fulfillment solutions, and we are delighted to add all of these additional offerings to our existing product portfolio," Rickard Ingvarsson finishes.
A people's business
"Above all, our discussions with SAL have centered around ensuring we have a strong cultural fit between our organizations. It became evident very early in the process that the core values making up the fabric of SGL are also interwoven and instilled throughout the SAL organization and its people. Our shared belief of ‘customer-centric solutions’ also provides the best possible foundation for a successful merger of our two companies. We are very pleased to welcome all SAL Staff Members and Senior Management to the SGL Family", Allan Melgaard emphasizes.
