Johannesburg, South Africa: Lonrho Group, which has diverse interests in emerging African markets, has acquired fish, fruit and vegetable exporter Grindrod PCA to become Southern Africa’s biggest exporter of agricultural produce by air.
Lonrho bought Grindrod PCA, a division of shipping and logistics group Grindrod SA, for R50m cash.
The business has cold storage and logistics facilities in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and George. Its head office is at O R Tambo International Airport, where it operates a facility with direct airside apron access.
Lonrho executive chairman David Lenigas said: “The opportunities for Africa to further develop its agricultural output and supply produce to the booming African market and the growing export market are significant, and this acquisition places Lonrho at the forefront of meeting this demand.”
Grindrod PCA’s management will continue managing day-to-day business while the company is integrated into other agricultural logistics companies within the Lonrho Group.
Lonrho reports increased demand from retail chains in the US, Europe and Far East for fresh produce from Southern Africa and rising demand from increasingly affluent consumers in Africa.
The deal increases the logistics capabilities of Lonrho adding cold storage capacity and improved access for better handling of perishable products.
