TGF says that it will use the new Asian forwarding and logistics operations as a platform to strengthen its network in the Middle East, South Africa, Europe and North America.

Toll Holdings of Australia acquired BALtrans Logistics early in 2008 and completed the rebranding of the company as Toll Global Forwarding on 27 February 2009.

Toll and BALtrans had, according to a TGF statement, highly complementary businesses in terms of strategy, capability, customers and industry segments with growth-oriented cultures and minimal network overlap.

TGF’s CEO Hugh Cushing said: “The re-branding of BALtrans’ global offices to Toll Global Forwarding is a key milestone for our ambition to establish its own global presence. With a well-established network of freight forwarding professionals in 65 company-owned offices across 26 countries in Asia, Australia, the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa, [we] can provide a comprehensive portfolio of logistics products and solutions to address our customers’ requirements.”

Toll claims to be the Asian region’s leading provider of integrated logistics services, generating annual consolidated revenue of A$5.6B and operating an extensive network of more than 700 sites in 45 countries across the world.

Regional director, Europe and Middle East, (South Africa/Americas/Asia) John Gomes, added: “Toll and BALtrans are an excellent fit, with no overlap. As a result, customers of the BALtrans business have seen over the past year that joining Toll has been all good news, with additional financial strength and resources being added to an already impressive and growing operation.

“The time is now right for us to unify all our forwarding activities under a single global brand, that clearly demonstrates the size and scope of our operations, and paves the way for further expansion of our network and services.”