THE GAC Group is taking over the ships agency business of Swire-owned Quadrant Pacific, formerly its network partner in New Zealand.
GAC (Gulf Agency Company, based in Kuwait and active in over 50 countries) announced the deal on Friday (14 June), saying the acquisition marked a significant milestone in the company’s longstanding presence in the region.
Since its establishment in 2008, GAC New Zealand has operated in partnership with Quadrant Pacific. With this acquisition, GAC New Zealand is set to elevate its operations by directly managing ship agency services at all ports across the country, the company said.
“We are excited to take this next step in our journey in NZ,” Scott Henderson, MD for GAC Australia and GAC New Zealand, said.
“Quadrant Pacific has been an invaluable partner over the years, and we appreciate the opportunity to integrate their expertise into our operations. This acquisition aligns with our commitment to delivering top-notch service to our customers across all sectors of the market.”
Director of Quadrant Pacific, Alistair Skingley said QPL and GAC had enjoyed a strong relationship, with QPL acting as agent in NZ for GAC for over 16 years. “This agreement will allow us to focus on our core business areas of domestic and international shipping, cargo management and logistics, while providing continuity to our customers with the support of one of the largest global agency networks,” Mr Skingley said.
“The acquisition of Quadrant Pacific agency assets in New Zealand underscores GAC’s strategic focus on enhancing our capabilities and presence in markets where customers need us,” Daniel Nordberg, GAC’s group VP-Asia Pacific & Indian Subcontinent, said. “This move solidifies our position as a leading provider of comprehensive shipping solutions in the country and the wider Australasia.”
QPL was a result of the 1 July 1999 merger of Tasman Asia Shipping and NZ Orient Line, following which two new companies were formed. The NZ agency business was separated from Tasman Asia’s combined line and agency operation, to form its own entity and was renamed Quadrant Pacific Limited. The line businesses were merged and renamed Tasman Orient Line.
In early 2022, Swire Shipping Ltd, the majority shareholder of Quadrant Pacific, purchased the remaining minority shareholding from Ahrenkiel Shipping, to become the sole owner.
Quadrant Pacific Ltd. offices are located in Auckland, Tauranga (Mt. Maunganui), Napier and Marsden Point, but can provide agency representation in all NZ ports.
The GAC acquisition will be finalised by 1 July 2024, with integration of agency staff members from Quadrant Pacific into GAC New Zealand’s operations.
