Two of the largest freight companies in the Asia Pacific region, Mondiale Freight Services Limited (Mondiale) and VISA Global Logistics Pty Ltd (VISA) have agreed to merge to form a significant entity that will be a world leader in international transport and logistics.

The merged company will have a combined annual revenue of AUD1.2 billion, with operations across Australia, New Zealand, North Asia, South East Asia, the Indian subcontinent and Europe. Both companies have made significant investments in wharf transport in New Zealand and Australia and offer a total end to end supply chain solution in these two countries.

The founding seven executive shareholders of Mondiale and VISA will remain with the company as shareholders in their executive positions.

Mondiale and VISA currently handle 500,000 containers per annum and employ in excess of 1,500 people globally, covering all aspects of freight forwarding, customs, wharf transport and warehousing.

Director and shareholder of Mondiale, Mr John Sargent, said “The Mondiale and VISA Global teams have very close synergies and are an excellent fit in the merged company”. Mr Vittorio Tarchi, a director and shareholder of VISA Global Logistics, said “Each company has grown globally over the last 30 plus years, with complementary global networks and a key focus on customer service”.

Mr Ray Meade, who has operated in the global freight markets in both New Zealand and Australia for 30 years and managed Mondiale’s Australian operations for over eight years, will become the Chief Executive Officer of the merged group. He said, “The strength of the combined entity, supported by its extremely valued and dedicated staff will deliver significant advantages for both its existing and future customer base”.