Swiss logistics provider Panalpina has announced it will fully integrate its new acquisition, Apollo in Perth, Western Australia, in a way that complements the parent's existing office that focuses on industrial projects and the oil and gas business.

After the acquisition of Apollo Forwarding in Adelaide last year, Panalpina will now incorporate another long-time partner company, Apollo in Perth. Although having traded under the same name, the two companies are not related.

Panalpina Australia and Apollo Perth commenced their partnership in 1997, with Apollo Perth having acted as Panalpina's agent both locally and globally.

"By adding Apollo to our organisation, we can now offer the entire forwarding and logistics product portfolio under one roof and as one Panalpina unit. Apollo Perth, whose management will stay on board, will benefit from Panalpina's global network, and our existing oil and gas and PanProjects customers have one point of contact," said Jorg Granzow, Panalpina area managing director Oceania.

The impact on the group's revenues and customer portfolio will not be substantial said a company statement..

Said Panalpina chief operating officer Karl Weyeneth: "The Western Australian market is becoming more and more important, particularly due to the increasing oil and gas and mining business. As one Panalpina unit we can also use synergies when it comes to further develop our industry specific transport and logistics solutions, both for local and international customers," he said.

Panalpina operates a network of 500 branches in 80 countries, and has agents in another 80 countries, employing a total of 15,000 worldwide.

Source: Shipping Gazette