Imperial Logistics
Imperial Logistics is an integrated market access and logistics platform serving multinational principals across healthcare, consumer, automotive, chemicals, and industrial sectors in sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. It has operated as a wholly owned subsidiary of DP World since March 2022.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1948
- HeadquartersBedfordview, South Africa
- Headcount5,001–10,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Imperial Logistics does
Imperial Logistics is an integrated market access and logistics platform operating across sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, organized around two pillars: Market Access (route-to-market, sales, merchandising, brand activation) and Logistics (freight management, warehousing, transportation, cold chain). It serves multinational principals across five verticals — Healthcare, Consumer, Automotive, Chemicals, and Industrial & Commodities — with named customers including GSK, Pfizer, Novartis, Roche, AstraZeneca, Sanofi, Abbott, Diageo, Colgate-Palmolive, Mercedes-Benz South Africa, Volkswagen, Sasol, Sappi, and Pick n Pay. The company operates through a network of subsidiaries including Imperial Health Sciences, Pharmed, MDS Logistics, Worldwide Healthcare, Surgipharm, Imres, Imperial Medical Solutions, CIC Namibia, Horizon Distributors, Imperial LMI (Ghana JV), Imperial Cargo, Tanker Services, Imperial Truck Rental, Imperial Fast 'n Fresh, Imperial Insync Solutions, and European operations anchored by Palletways (20 countries, 40,000+ pallets/day) and Rubiships (Danube inland shipping).
The underlying technology stack comprises SAP ERP, control tower solutions for end-to-end supply chain visibility, route optimization for secondary distribution, vehicle tracking and fleet management with 24-hour backup, and specialized cold chain infrastructure for pharmaceuticals and perishables. The platform is supported by extensive regulatory certifications (ISO 9001, GDP, GSP, SQAS, RTMS, CAIA, GMP+, ISO 14001, ISO 22000) and a footprint spanning 48 African markets, 20 European countries, the UAE, and ancillary presence in India and China. Imperial runs an innovation venture fund with Newtown Partners and has made strategic investments in Lori Systems, ParcelNinja, Redbird, FIGJAM, and Vicore Health to extend digital capabilities.
The business model is anchored on contract-based managed services and dedicated contracts with multinational principals, complemented by professional services fees for market access activities (sales, merchandising, demand activation). Go-to-market combines enterprise field sales targeting principals seeking African market access, plus channel partnerships via joint ventures (Imperial LMI in Ghana, Imperial Sasfin Logistics, Grainovation with Senwes, Imperial UbiPharm). In March 2022, DP World completed its acquisition of 100% of Imperial, delisting it from the JSE and integrating it into DP World's sub-Saharan Africa region led by Mohammed Akoojee. The current scale comprises 25,000-27,000 employees, R243.9 billion in socio-economic value created in South Africa and Nigeria, and ZAR 633 million invested in the Deep Catch Namibia acquisition to expand cold chain capabilities across the SADC region.
Imperial Logistics firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Imperial Logistics
- Legal name
- Imperial Group (Pty) Ltd
- Website
- https://www.imperiallogistics.com/
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1948
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 5,001–10,000 employees
- Short description
- Imperial Logistics is an integrated market access and logistics platform serving multinational principals across healthcare, consumer, automotive, chemicals, and industrial sectors in sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. It has operated as a wholly owned subsidiary of DP World since March 2022.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Imperial Logistics industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Logistics Services
- NAICS
- Freight Transportation Arrangement (488510), Support Activities for Transportation (488), Warehousing and Storage (493), General Freight Trucking, Long-Distance (48412), Petroleum Bulk Stations and Terminals (424710)
- SIC
- Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731), Trucking & Courier Services (No Air) (4210), Wholesale-Petroleum Bulk Stations & Terminals (5171)
- akta.pro primary industry
- E-commerce Fulfillment & Omnichannel Logistics (Pick/Pack/Returns) (TLAIAAAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- International Fulfillment, Forwarding & Consolidation Services (CRAFAJAE), Real-Time Operational Visibility & Exception Management (TLAEAKAC), Shipping Management, Labeling & Carrier Integration (Multi-Carrier) (TLAEACAE)
Keywords
Where Imperial Logistics is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bedfordview
- HQ country
- South Africa
- HQ region
- Africa
Offices17 records
Markets served
Imperial Logistics business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Integrated Logistics Services: End-to-end logistics solutions including freight management, warehousing, transportation, and distribution across Africa and Europe. Revenue generated through contract-based managed services, dedicated contracts, and multi-principal warehousing solutions.
- Market Access Solutions: Route-to-market, sales and distribution, merchandising, and brand activation services. Revenue generated through service fees and performance-based contracts with principals and brand owners.
- Healthcare Distribution: Pharmaceutical and medical supplies distribution including warehousing, cold chain, and last-mile delivery. Revenue from healthcare manufacturers and healthcare providers across sub-Saharan Africa.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Contract-based flexible rental terms |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels9 records
Imperial Logistics product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Imperial Logistics is an integrated market access and logistics platform delivering end-to-end supply chain solutions across healthcare, consumer, automotive, chemicals, and industrial/commodities verticals through two core pillars: Market Access (route-to-market, sales, merchandising, brand activation, demand creation) and Logistics (international freight management, warehousing, transportation, cold-chain distribution). Headquartered in Bedfordview, South Africa, and operating as a wholly owned business of DP World since March 2022, the company serves multinational principals in 48 sub-Saharan African markets plus the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
Product overview
Imperial Logistics is an integrated market access and logistics platform operating as a unified product portfolio organized around two core pillars: Market Access and Logistics solutions. The platform provides end-to-end supply chain services across six key industries: healthcare, consumer, automotive, chemicals, industrial and commodities. The Market Access pillar encompasses route-to-market solutions, sales and merchandising, and demand activation through brands including Imperial Health Sciences, Pharmed, Surgipharm, Worldwide Healthcare, Imres, Imperial Medical Solutions, CIC Namibia, Horizon Distributors, and Consumer Packaged Goods. The Logistics pillar includes freight management, warehousing, and transportation services delivered through Imperial Managed Solutions, Imperial Fast 'n Fresh, Imperial Cargo, Imperial Dedicated Contracts, Imperial Insync Solutions, Resolve, Tanker Services, Imperial Truck Rental, Imperial Tipper Resources, and Grainovation. The portfolio also includes Palletways (European palletized freight network) and Rubiships (Danube shipping). Supporting services include Imperial Sasfin Logistics (trade finance), LSC (staffing), and Unjani Clinics (healthcare access). The company became a wholly owned business of DP World in March 2022.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Palletways: Europe's No.1 express palletised freight network operating across 20 European countries
- Resolve
- Imperial Health Sciences
- Pharmed
- MDS Logistics
- Worldwide Healthcare
- Surgipharm Limited
- Imres
- Imperial Medical Solutions
- CIC Namibia
- Horizon Distributors
- Imperial Fast n Fresh
- Imperial Cargo
- Tanker Services
- Goldfields Logistics
- iPledge
Products and services
- Integrated Logistics Services End-to-end logistics services including international freight management, warehousing, transportation management, and cold chain solutions, delivered across seven industries — agriculture, automotive, chemicals, consumer packaged goods, healthcare, and mining — for enterprise multinational principals.
- Market Access Solutions Route-to-market solutions enabling clients to reach consumers across African markets through dedicated distribution networks, sales and merchandising, brand activation, and demand creation services — for multinational brand owners in consumer and healthcare categories.
- Imperial Health Sciences Healthcare supply chain management offering ISO 9001:2015 certified warehousing, cold storage, and distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical products across South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and Malawi, with operations covering 6,000+ customers and processing 4,000 orders daily and 2,000 export orders monthly.
- Imperial Managed Solutions Integrated managed logistics solutions comprising international freight management, warehousing management, transportation management, and healthcare logistics across agriculture, automotive, chemicals, consumer packaged goods, healthcare, and mining industries.
- Imperial Fast 'n Fresh Market leader in South Africa for temperature and time-sensitive product transport, offering primary and secondary multi-temperature controlled distribution services for FMCG markets.
- Imperial Cargo General freight movement across South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, and Swaziland, operating 300+ vehicles with warehouse management and intermodal transport capabilities. Holds ISO 14001, ISO 22000 and SQAS certifications.
- Imperial Truck Rental Commercial vehicle rental service in South Africa with over 1,150 vehicles and 23 branches, offering flexible rental terms from 1 day to 60 months, with or without drivers and insurance cover, structured as operating-lease (off-balance-sheet) financing.
- Imperial Insync Solutions Automotive industry supply chain solutions offering plant logistics, parts and accessories logistics, warehouse management system implementation, and just-in-time logistics services for automotive manufacturers.
- Resolve Consulting and technology solutions comprising strategy advisory, technology implementation, people enablement, and process outsourcing across automotive, healthcare, consumer products, and financial services sectors.
- Pharmed Pharmaceutical wholesaler and distributor of prescription medicine, surgical, dental, and veterinary products to independent pharmacies, private hospitals, and dispensing doctors across South Africa, operating from Durban (4,300m² headquarters), Johannesburg (2,200m²) and Parow.
- Imperial Sasfin Logistics Joint venture with Sasfin Banking Group offering end-to-end import and export solutions combining freight forwarding, customs clearing, warehousing, transport, distribution, and trade finance products.
- Tanker Services South African market leader in bulk tanker and tipper transportation with Food & Chemicals and Fuel & Gas divisions, including cross-border capabilities to Angola, Botswana, and other SADC countries. Holds SQAS, RTMS and CAIA accreditations.
- Palletways Europe's No.1 express palletised freight network, ISO 9001 certified, moving over 40,000 pallets daily through 18 hubs, 350+ network members, and 400+ depots across 20 European countries with 24-72 hour delivery.
- Surgipharm Limited Established in 1985, one of the largest pharmaceutical, medical, surgical, diagnostic and consumer health product suppliers in Kenya, with countrywide distribution via offices in Nairobi and Mombasa.
- Imres Dutch-based ISO 9000 and ISO 27001 certified medical wholesale organisation with 35 years of experience serving developing countries with pharmaceuticals, medical kits, equipment, and emergency relief supplies, using a 6,500m² GDP and GSP certified climate-controlled warehouse.
- Imperial Medical Solutions Partnership-based business supplying and distributing quality medical and pharmaceutical products to aid agencies, NGOs, charities, and governmental organisations globally, with 24-hour emergency response capability from its Dubai facility strategically located between Europe, Africa and Asia.
- Worldwide Healthcare Distribution and marketing of healthcare products across Nigeria, Ghana, and Dubai, distributing ethical and generic pharmaceuticals, vaccines, medical equipment, and OTC products to wholesale, retail, hospitals, and institutions.
- MDS Logistics Nigeria's leading integrated supply chain solutions provider operating 48 distribution centres and 53 offsite inventory management centres, covering 31 states and 400 cities with haulage, distribution, pharma-logistics, and telecoms-logistics services.
- CIC Namibia Largest FMCG distribution company in Namibia with eight facilities enabling countrywide warehousing and distribution as part of the CIC Group operating across the SADC region.
- Horizon Distributors Wholly-owned entity providing full route-to-market solution for FMCG brand owners in Zambia, with 6,000m² warehouse space and countrywide distribution capabilities.
- Imperial LMI Joint venture with Ghanaian conglomerate LMI Holdings offering integrated end-to-end supply chain services including freight, warehousing, and value-added services, with a 93,000m² Mega Warehouse in Tema.
- Grainovation 50/50 joint venture between Imperial and Senwes focused on grain and related commodity transportation in southern Africa through brokerage services and an owned fleet.
- LSC Staffing solutions provider supplying contract staff, payroll administration, human resources consulting, and guarding services across logistics, manufacturing, hospitality, and retail industries in South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana.
- Unjani Clinics Healthcare clinic network providing accessible primary healthcare services to communities through nurse-initiated and managed clinics, with a focus on empowering women and creating jobs.
Quantifiable outcome
- R243.9 billion socio-economic value created in South Africa and Nigeria
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Imperial Logistics
Customer profileNamed customers18 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Imperial Logistics technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Imperial Logistics partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- AccenturecoreImperial partnered with Accenture to transform supply chain operations, leveraging Accenture's consulting and implementation capabilities.
- LMI HoldingscoreImperial partnered with Ghanaian conglomerate LMI Holdings to form Imperial LMI Logistics - a business delivering world class logistics services in Ghana and West Africa. The partnership merges LMI's infrastructure with Imperial's operational capabilities.
- Sasfin Banking GroupcoreImperial Logistics Africa and Sasfin Banking group formed Imperial Sasfin Logistics to offer end-to-end import and export solutions covering freight forwarding, customs clearing, warehousing, transport, distribution and trade finance products.
- Standard BankminorImperial collaborated with Standard Bank to digitize and enhance supply chain in the main market, leveraging bank's financial infrastructure.
- UbiPharmcoreImperial and UbiPharm formed strategic alliance to create one of Africa's most expansive healthcare distribution networks.
- SasolcoreImperial and Sasol formalized partnership to co-develop Southern Africa's hydrogen mobility ecosystem.
- DNG EnergyminorImperial and DNG Energy partnered to reduce carbon emissions through sustainable energy solutions.
- Stellenbosch UniversityminorImperial and Stellenbosch University collaborated on real-world healthcare and climate change challenges research.
- Gender Mainstreaming AwardsminorImperial partnered with Gender Mainstreaming Awards to support women empowerment in Africa through the annual awards program.
- Maiden FactorminorImperial supported the DP World-sponsored Maiden Factor global tour, empowering girls through education. The 58ft yacht visited Cape Town as part of its three-year world tour.
- MSDminorImperial partnered with MSD in Africa to provide new, simplified healthcare solution for improved access to medicines.
- Boehringer IngelheimminorImperial honed animal healthcare expertise in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim for pharmaceutical distribution.
- National Bioproducts InstituteminorImperial and National Bioproducts Institute announced African partnership for blood products distribution.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Imperial Logistics competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- DHL Supply Chain: DHL Supply Chain is the global contract logistics arm of Deutsche Post DHL Group, operating multi-industry warehousing and distribution across 60+ countries. Directly comparable to Imperial in multi-sector contract logistics, though with a much broader global footprint and stronger European/Asian density.
- Kuehne+Nagel: Kuehne+Nagel is a top-3 global freight forwarder and contract logistics provider with strong presence in Africa and Europe. Comparable to Imperial across integrated forwarding, contract logistics, and industry-vertical specialisation (including pharma/healthcare).
- DSV A/S: DSV is a Danish global transport and logistics company formed through the Panalpina and Schenker acquisitions, offering road, air, sea, and contract logistics. Highly comparable to Imperial in multi-service contract logistics and forwarding, with overlapping automotive and healthcare verticals.
- CEVA Logistics: CEVA Logistics is a global third-party logistics provider owned by CMA CGM, offering contract logistics, freight management, and supply chain solutions across automotive, healthcare, consumer, and industrial sectors. Closely mirrors Imperial's vertical segmentation and end-to-end service model.
- GAC Group: GAC Group is a Dubai-headquartered global logistics provider with strong concentration in the Middle East and Africa, offering freight forwarding, contract logistics, and shipping agency services. Highly comparable to Imperial's African and Middle East focus and its DP World ecosystem adjacency.
- XPO Logistics: XPO Logistics is a North American and European contract logistics provider with deep expertise in warehousing, distribution, and reverse logistics. Comparable to Imperial's contract logistics portfolio, particularly for automotive and industrial customers.
- Rhenus Logistics: Rhenus Logistics is a German family-owned logistics provider offering multi-modal transport, warehousing, and contract logistics across Europe, Asia, and emerging markets. Comparable to Imperial in integrated contract logistics and inland waterway transport (Rhenus is also a Danube operator, overlapping with Imperial's Rubiships).
Broad incumbents
- Agility Logistics: Agility is a Kuwaiti-headquartered global logistics company operating freight forwarding, contract logistics, and infrastructure businesses across emerging markets. Comparable to Imperial in emerging market focus and integrated logistics services, though with a broader geographic portfolio and a major infrastructure (Agility Global Solutions) arm.
- Maersk Logistics & Services: Maersk Logistics & Services is the integrated inland logistics arm of A.P. Moller-Maersk, offering end-to-end supply chain management globally. Comparable to Imperial in end-to-end container-based logistics, with significantly larger scale and ocean carrier integration as a differentiator.
Regional players
- Bidvest Logistics: Bidvest Logistics is a South African subsidiary of JSE-listed Bidvest Group offering freight, warehousing, and supply chain solutions primarily within South Africa. Direct regional competitor to Imperial's South African operations in warehousing, distribution, and freight management.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Imperial Logistics social profiles
Digital presenceImperial Logistics compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance12 records
Imperial Logistics financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Imperial Logistics leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Imperial Logistics subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries20 records
Imperial Logistics funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Imperial Logistics M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A7 records
Investments3 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Imperial Logistics
What does Imperial Logistics do?
Imperial Logistics is an integrated market access and logistics platform delivering end-to-end supply chain solutions across healthcare, consumer, automotive, chemicals, and industrial/commodities verticals through two core pillars: Market Access (route-to-market, sales, merchandising, brand activation, demand creation) and Logistics (international freight management, warehousing, transportation, cold-chain distribution). Headquartered in Bedfordview, South Africa, and operating as a wholly owned business of DP World since March 2022, the company serves multinational principals in 48 sub-Saharan African markets plus the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
Is Imperial Logistics a public or private company?
Imperial Logistics is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Imperial Logistics founded?
Imperial Logistics was founded in 1948. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.
Where is Imperial Logistics based?
Imperial Logistics is headquartered in Bedfordview, South Africa, in the Africa region.
How does Imperial Logistics make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Integrated Logistics Services are the primary driver. The others are market Access Solutions and healthcare Distribution.
Who are Imperial Logistics's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are DHL Supply Chain, Kuehne+Nagel, DSV A/S, CEVA Logistics, GAC Group, XPO Logistics and Rhenus Logistics. Broad incumbents are Agility Logistics and Maersk Logistics & Services. Bidvest Logistics is listed as a regional player.
Does Imperial Logistics have an API?
No public API is recorded for Imperial Logistics.
What industry is Imperial Logistics in?
Imperial Logistics's product category is Logistics Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAIAAAD, E-commerce Fulfillment & Omnichannel Logistics (Pick/Pack/Returns), with a secondary code of CRAFAJAE, International Fulfillment, Forwarding & Consolidation Services. Its NAICS code is 488510 and its SIC code is 4731.