After a steady program of expansion through acquisition, Ermewa has itself become an attractive acquisition target. Sharon Gill reports ...
SNCF's Transport & Logistics division has decided to increase its stake in Ermewa's capital to 100%, thus boosting its portfolio and gaining a foothold in the gas and chemical container hire business.
The transaction is subject to the approval of the competition authorities.
Having 100% control over Ermewa will enable SNCF's Transport & Logistics division to develop its Asset Management unit with a Rail Transport unit.
Established in 1956 as a transporter of wine by rail, Ermewa has followed a steady expansion strategy by acquiring other rail companies, including wine transport company LEDUC in 1970, and continually expanding its fleet with the acquisition of the SATI group in 1989, the fleets of ARBEL and Deutsche Reichsbahn in 1991, Compagnie Auxilaire de Midi in 1992, and Brambles Group's fleet in 1996.
Between 2000 and 2003 Ermewa created a number of logistics departments: ERMEFRET France, Italy, Germany, Belgium and Netherlands, and Chemfreight Vienna. The company also created Ermewa Iberica, and Eurotainer - a JV with Brambles. In 2005, Ermewa acquired 100% of Eurotainer.
SNCF acquired a 10% stake in Ermewa A in 1992, increasing this in 1998 to 33.2% and later to 49.6%. In 2003, IPES acquired a 50.4% majority in the Ermewa Group, and Ermewa sold off its shipping activities.
Ermewa's main business activities are tank container hire, specialised wagon hire, logistics services, and construction, repair and maintenance. The company manages 21,000 wagons and 40,000 containers.
SNCF's Transport & Logistics division provides a global multimodal offering and end-to-end flow management solutions for customers worldwide, through a network covering 120 countries. It is the fourth-largest transport and logistics operator in Europe, with revenue of €8 billion.
