- TICT Managing Director, Etienne Rocher
By Anthony Nwachukwu
The recent acquisition of the Bolloré African Logistics (BAL) from its parent company, Bolloré Group, by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the Tin-Can Island Container Terminal (TICT) has assured maritime workers of job safety, stating that that it has no plans for any retrenchment exercise.
MSC had in April announced an agreement for a 100 per cent acquisition of the African logistic business of Paris-based Bolloré Group following exclusive negotiations between the two parties, which was initiated in December 2021.
The deal is expected to be closed latest by end of 2023 Q1, subject to regulatory approval.
Addressing the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) at a meeting in Lagos Monday, however, TICT Managing Director, Mr. Etienne Rocher, said the acquisition would have no negative effect on the company’s staff.
He assured that “there will be no change in obligations on the part of the company towards employees and vice versa,” adding that the TICT workers’ services remain relevant to the company even after the acquisition, according to a statement from MSC.
MSC’s acquisition of BAL covers all of Bolloré Group’s transport and logistics activities in Africa, including shipping, logistics and terminals operations, alongside terminal operations in India, Haiti and Timor-Leste.
BAL is the biggest transport and logistics operator in Africa, with nearly 21,000 employees in 49 countries worldwide, 47 of which are in Africa.
“The acquisition of Bolloré Africa Logistics reaffirms MSC Group’s longstanding commitment to invest in Africa and to strengthen supply chains across the continent, as well as connecting it to the rest of the world,” the statement added.
