GLOBAL provider of integrated supply chain solutions Agility has struck a deal to acquire freight forwarder, LEP International Pty Ltd in Australia and LEP International (NZ) Ltd in New Zealand, and the related project logistics company, Pan Orient Shipping Services Pty Ltd.

Pan Orient Shipping trades under the name of AFS Projects and Logistics.

"We are very pleased that the deal has been completed and our network partners in Australasia will join Agility. LEP International in Australia has a good mix of local and global customers with whom they have developed excellent long-term relationships," said Wolfgang Hollermann, Agility chief executive officer, Asia Pacific.

Melbourne-based LEP International has branch offices in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. LEP International (NZ) has offices in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. Pan Orient maintains a presence across Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia, a statement from Agility said.

Agility previously held a 25 per cent equity stake in LEP International in both the Australian and New Zealand companies after working with them for a number of years as network partners. Pan Orient has partnered with Agility on several major projects, especially in the mining industry.

"We have worked with Agility as a network partner for many years and we feel the integration of LEP International into this dynamic fast growing company will provide our customers with leading edge services and global reach," said Mick Turnbull, managing director of LEP International in Australia.

Agility has more than 20,000 employees, 450 offices in 100 countries worldwide and over US$4.5 billion in annual revenue. Agility offers its customers flexible solutions tailored to meet their individual business needs. These are supported by Agility's network of warehousing facilities, transportation and freight management services.