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MSC completes Bolloré Africa Logistics acquisition

MSC Group has completed its €5.7bn acquisition of Bolloré Africa Logistics through subsidiary SAS Shipping Agencies.

Michele Labrut, Americas Correspondent

December 22, 2022

2 Min Read
MSC Isabella at berth in Singapore
Photo: MSC

The purchase price comprises a €5.1bn share sale, plus a €600m in current account repayments. The transaction was approved by all applicable regulatory authorities.

MSC reiterated that it will operate Bolloré Africa Logistics Group as an autonomous entity with its portfolio of diversified partners, under a new brand to be unveiled in 2023. Philippe Labonne will continue his longstanding role at the helm of the business as President of Bolloré Africa Logistics.

MSC intends to continue enhancing the continent’s connectivity with the rest of the world and enable trade within Africa amid the implementation of the continental free trade (AfCFTA). Backed by MSC Group’s financial strength and operational expertise, Bolloré Africa Logistics will be able to meet all its commitments to governments, particularly regarding port concessions.

“We are delighted to welcome more than 21,000 new colleagues to the MSC family through our acquisition of Bolloré Africa Logistics. I wish to thank the Bolloré family, and Cyrille in particular, for having conducted the transaction in a smooth and efficient way and I congratulate them for having created such a well-established business,” said said MSC Group President Diego Aponte.

“The deal will strengthen MSC’s longstanding ties with Africa and will reinforce our commitment to the continent’s economic growth, including investment in the ships, shipyards, container terminals, logistic solutions, storage facilities, road and rail networks that will support and enhance trade across the African continent and with the rest of the world.”

Related:MSC follows rivals in setting up cargo airline

The purchase of Bolloré Group followed significant moves in the logistics sector by competitor container lines, including AP Moller – Maersk, as carriers sought reinvest hefty profits made from box shipping over the last two years.

The Bolloré Group will maintain a significant presence in Africa, notably through Canal+, and will also continue to develop its activities on the continent in a number of sectors such as communications, entertainment, telecommunications and publishing.

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About the Author

Michele Labrut

Americas Correspondent

Michèle Labrut is a long-time Panama resident, a journalist and correspondent, and has continuously covered the maritime sector of Central & Latin America.

Michèle first came to Panama as a press attaché to the French Embassy and then returned to the isthmus as a foreign correspondent in the 1980s.

Author of Seatrade Maritime's annual Panama Maritime Review magazine and of several books, Michèle also wrote for Time magazine, The Miami Herald, NBC News and the Economist Intelligence Unit. She has also collaborated in making several documentaries for the BBC and European and U.S. television networks.

Michèle's profession necessitates a profound knowledge of the country, but her acumen is not from necessity alone, but a genuine passion for Panama.

In 2012 she was awarded the Order of Merit (Knight grade) by the French Government for her services to international journalism and in 2021 the upgrade to Chevalier grade.

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