By: Amr Adel

Dubai – Mubasher: Aramex, a leading provider of logistics solutions, is currently examining three new possible acquisitions in the African and Asian markets, which are to be carried out during the second half of 2015, said CEO Hussein Hashem.

The Dubai-based courier is in talks with four or five firms in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia as part of its strategy to seize current and prospective opportunities in these emerging markets, Hashem told Mubasher exclusively, adding that at least one or two acquisitions are expected during the second half of this year.

Aramex’s acquisitions during the first half of the year have not been fully reflected in the company’s financials till now, said the CEO. He added that the financial impact of the recent takeover of a US firm would be seen in Q3, while that of the Turkish firm began two months ago.

Back in April, Aramex’s wholly-owned subsidiary InfoFort acquired a majority stake in Turkey-based CBK Soft Software Inc., for AED 31 million ($8.4 million).

In May, the Dubai-listed logistics service provider acquired 25% of WS One Investment LLC, in a deal worth AED 9 million ($2.45 million).

Hashem told Mubasher that the most of the acquisitions currently understudy are focused on quick-post services, especially as the company continues to grow.

Aramex recently posted a net profit of AED 92.6 million in the second quarter of 2015, a rise of 15% from AED 80.8 million in Q2-14. The logistics solutions provider’s half-year profits rose 12% to AED 179.2 million, up from AED 159.5 million in the first half of 2014.

Translated by: Nada Adel Sobhi