Three major Japanese freight logistics companies yesterday announced plans to form a newinternational express operator to target Asian trade flows in the latest restructuring of the
Japanese CEP sector.Nippon Express, Kintetsu World Express and airline All Nippon Airways (ANA) jointly announcedthey had signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a new joint venture company to providebusiness to business international express delivery services in Asia. The new company will commenceoperations on April 1, 2008.
ANA will take a 34% share in the joint venture company – which has yet to be named – withNippon Express and Kintetsu World Express both holding shares of 28%. The final 10% share will betaken by other forwarding companies.
The three companies cited the growth of international logistics and the increasing need forhigh quality, integrated, strategic distribution services as a driver behind their new jointventure. In particular, they pointed out the need in Asia for reliable and responsive logisticsservices to support the supply chains of businesses with rapidly expanding production bases.
To better compete in this changing environment, Nippon Express and Kintetsu World Expresshave been developing their own new products independently. ANA has also been working to create acargo hub in Okinawa and highly efficient air network in Asia, with a move into the internationalexpress delivery market in its sights.
The memorandum signed today will combine the expertise, experience and resources and of thethree companies, allowing them to provide more effective and responsive services, and contribute tothe growth of the domestic Japanese and regional Asian economies.
