Acquisitions continue apace amongst shipping container transporters
Arrow Transport and Logistics has acquired the business of Sydney Sideloaders in a major consolidation in the national port haulage sector.
The Melbourne company that claims fifth place in container transport operator by volume at the Port of Melbourne says the purchase of the top-10 container transport operator at the Port of Sydney.
The move marks the third such at least announced in less than two months, with Silk buying Rocke Brothers and Qube buying Chalmers.
“This acquisition is part of Arrow’s ongoing strategy to grow its business by providing its clients with a greater range of services in a greater number of ports around Australia,” the buyer, for an undisclosed sum, says.
“This acquisition gives Arrow an excellent footprint to commence its operations in Sydney and enables it to extend the high level of service for which it is renowned in Melbourne into the Sydney market.”
Sydney Sideloaders operates primarily from its site at the corner of McCauley and Botany roads, directly opposite the Port of Sydney terminals, and like Arrow, favours Mercedes-Benz prime movers.
This position and its associated nearby warehouses provide clients with excellent access to the port precinct.
Read how Arrow set up rural tailgate service in Altona, here
“From this site, Arrow plans to continue to service Sydney Sideloaders existing client base as well as providing a Sydney-based port logistics services to its own clients,” the company says.
“This is a significant acquisition, and one that provides users of the Port of Sydney with a viable alternative operator with scale and resources, a high level of technology, and a real focus on customer service.”
Arrow retains Sydney Sideloaders director Chris Divis after the acquisition as port logistics manager NSW and other members of the current operational team will join him.
“We are very pleased to have concluded this transaction with Arrow,” Divis says.
“We look forward to being part of a larger, growing organisation that has the same focus on customer service that Sydney Sideloaders has always had.
Arrow will move some staff from Melbourne to Sydney to assist with the integration.
“We are extremely pleased to have had the opportunity to acquire Sydney Sideloaders,” Arrow MD Craig Webster says.
“The operation will complement our existing business extremely well and enable us to provide a greater level of service to new and existing clients in both Melbourne and Sydney.”
This acquisition will formally complete on September 2.