Australian logistics company Qube has grown rapidly in the Australia Pacific region with two new acquisitions.
Australian logistics and infrastructure company Qube has announced an expansion into the New Zealand container logistics market with two new acquisitions.
Qube has diversified its business by acquiring Australian bulk logistics provider Kalari Proprietary Limited and purchasing a 50 per cent stake in Pinnacle Corporation in NZ.
The complete purchase of Kalari is set to deepen Qube’s exposure to the Queensland and South Australian resource markets while unlocking new opportunities in the region.
In NZ, Pinnacle operates both port-based and stand-alone facilities in nine locations throughout the country under its Specialised Group and MetroBox brands, providing customers with services including container storage and handling, refrigerated container maintenance and repair, container transport and warehouse.
Qube managing director Paul Digney says the transaction gives Qube a unique chance to gain an initial exposure to the NZ container logistics market, with a longer term focus on growth opportunities.
“I am very pleased that Qube has acquired a 50 per cent share in this very well-regarded and established player in New Zealand’s freight and logistics sector, with a high performing and quality workforce,” Digney says.
“This joint venture is consistent with our strategy for growth and geographic diversification within Qube’s core strategic focus and builds on Qube’s existing port logistics presence throughout New Zealand, under the ISO brand.”
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Pinnacle Managing Director Grant Tregurtha says the joint venture is a significant and exciting opportunity that will result in a strong and dynamic presence in the New Zealand market.
“The combination of strengths from both companies will better serve customers, promote innovation and provide greater opportunities for future growth and expansion,” Tregurtha says.
“We look forward to the future and the many possibilities this will bring.”
Qube also announced that it has acquired Kalari Proprietary Limited from Swire Investments. This acquisition will enhance Qube’s existing resources logistics offering, with Kalari being a leading logistics provider to the Australian mining and resources industry, specialising in on road and remote bulk haulage through a fleet of predominantly performance based standards (PBS) vehicles, materials handling and supply chain optimisation.
Kalari currently services a range of Tier 1 customers with significant mining operations, predominantly across Queensland and South Australia.
Digney saus Kalari’s operations are complementary with Qube’s existing bulk mine to market and mine resupply operations and the acquisition offers a number of synergies, as well as an opportunity for Qube to strengthen the Kalari offering through its rail and port infrastructure.
“Kalari is a natural fit for our business, providing us with an excellent opportunity to expand our inbound mine resupply services and opening new markets and regions for Qube, including in future focused critical minerals,” he says.
“For more than 45 years, Kalari has established and maintained a strong customer base and built a high performing team with a strong culture and similar values to Qube. I am delighted to welcome this trusted and respected team in the mining services industry to the Qube family.”
Kalari managing director Peter O’Shannessy says he’s confident that Kalari’s record of success will continue under Qube’s ownership.
“I am very pleased for our people and our customers that we’ve been able to reach an agreement for Qube to acquire Kalari and I am confident that the business will make a significant contribution to the ongoing success of Qube,” he says.
“The initial focus will be to work with the management team to ensure the same high level of service continues for Kalari’s valued customers and to progress new opportunities.”