Abraaj Group buys minority stake in Turkey’s logistics major

Jul 28, 2017: Dubai-based Abraaj Group, a private equity firm that invests in emerging markets and manages about $10 billion in assets, acquired a “significant minority stake” in Netlog Lojistik Hizmetleri, Turkey’s largest integrated logistics company with a strong presence in Europe and Asia.

According to media reports, the investment in Netlog is Abraaj’s tenth in Turkey. Netlog was founded in 2003 by Sahap and Gokalp Cak – the founders - who have extensive domestic and international supply chain management experience. As part of the transaction, the Founders will maintain a majority stake and continue to manage the company.

Netlog offers a full suite of supply chain solutions including warehousing, domestic and international trucking alongside air and sea freight forwarding through its extensive network of over 65 warehouses, with a combined area of more than 1.1 million square meters. Netlog also operates one of the largest owned fleet in Turkey with over 3,200 transport vehicles. Netlog’s value added logistics offering covers a diversified set of sectors including fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), food and beverage, retail and fashion.

The company’s customer proposition is strengthened by specialized value-added services. Netlog, through its subsidiary PolarXP, is the largest player and the pioneer in temperature-controlled logistics in Turkey with an extensive warehouse and distribution network. Furthermore, Netlog’s subsidiary Bleckmann offers e-commerce logistics services for the fashion industry in its home markets of Belgium and Netherlands as well as the United Kingdom and the United States.

Abraaj has a strong global investment track record in the logistics sector across growth markets. Since inception, the Group has made a number of key investments including Aramex, the Middle East’s leading logistics provider, Ninja Van, a technology enabled last-mile logistics operator in South East Asia, and Urbano, a leading courier and light logistics company in Latin America.

Logistics in Turkey is a compelling sector in which to invest, given its strategic location, favorable consumer and regulatory trends, coupled with rising global trade. The logistics sector will continue to play a key role in the long-term strategic development of Turkey, bolstered by the government’s plans to further upgrade its logistics infrastructure by 2023, with a focus on high speed rail, motorways and container port facilities. As the most diversified logistics company in Turkey, Netlog is competitively placed to benefit from these growth drivers.

Leveraging Abraaj’s and the founders’ experience in the sector, Netlog will accelerate its growth by investing in infrastructure and expanding its footprint across MENA and Europe through organic and inorganic opportunities. The group will continue to institutionalize the business through implementation of best in class corporate governance, environmental and social standards.