DP World continues its African expansion with an investment in the FMCG distribution company.
Imperial, a transportation, logistics and supply firm owned by DP World, Dubai’s multinational logistics company, has increased its stake in Botswana’s PST Sales & Distribution (PST) from 38% to 72%.
FMCG distribution
PST represents leading multinationals in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector and has been in operation for over 30 years. The Botswana company offers route-to-market solutions, including supply chain management, sales and branding and financial and administrative management services.
“PST’s sound knowledge of the consumer landscape in Botswana, coupled with its comprehensive distribution and sales solutions, aligns well with DP World’s strategic objective of leveraging assets and logistics to create an integrated global supply chain – from factory floor to customer door”, says Mohammed Akoojee, Chief Operating Officer of DP World Logistics and Group CEO at Imperial. “PST further entrenches Imperial as the leading distributor of consumer goods in Southern Africa, providing brand owners with informed and unparalleled access to their end consumers by leveraging our in-market networks and in-country infrastructure”.
Route-to-market solutions
According to Akoojee, PST’s business infrastructure provides a route-to-market solution across Botswana and its in-depth local knowledge of the consumer market further positions it as a strong player in the logistics sector. The company participates in every aspect of the FMCG industry.
“PST is a renowned Botswana business known for the delivery of well-known brands in the country and further enhances our position as the leading distributor in Southern Africa”, said Johan Truter, Chief Executive Officer of Imperial’s Market Access business. “The business has robust infrastructure which enables it to serve the entire trade universe and has unmatched local knowledge, with almost all employees being local, including top management”.
Autash Arora, outgoing Managing Director of PST, said, “This transaction further cements PST’s relationship with Imperial, and bodes well for our vision of being the best FMCG distributor in the country and delivering well-known brands and household names to the people of Botswana. In addition, this investment allows us to continue to consistently deliver outstanding results for the benefit of our customers and principals in line with our promise of customer satisfaction.”
DP World: Wider expansion
Earlier this month, Imperial acquiring a controlling stake in Nigeria’s Africa FMCG Distribution. The two deals represent Imperial’s and DP World’s ongoing efforts to increase their presence across Africa and to grow throughout the African logistics sector.