Dubai: Dnata Cargo, Kanoo and France's SDV International Logistics yesterday said they have created "what is anticipated to become one of the UAE's largest logistics solutions providers".

SDV-UAE will be 49 per cent owned by SDV and SDV and 51 per cent equally owned by Kanoo and Dnata. The new company will be run by a board of directors consisting of Jean Pierre De Pauw of Dnata; Mishal Kanoo of Kanoo; Herbert de St Simon of SDV and Tony Stenning of SDV.

Gary Chapman, president of Dnata who signed the agreement, said: "SDV is one of the largest global logistics companies with an enviable track record and the fact that they are keen to move into the market in this region is testament to the growth and success of Dubai as a transport hub."

De St Simon said: "Dubai is one of the biggest transport hubs in the world and it makes every sense for us to be here. We look forward to being here in partnership with Dnata and Kanoo as SDV-UAE."

Mishal Kanoo said: "The formation of SDV-UAE allows us to move onto a new level and we are looking forward to taking our partnership forward into this international dimension."

SDV-UAE will have exclusive access to a worldwide network of SDV offices and therefore will be well placed to service projects and multinational contracts in this market. The addition of Dubai to SDV's worldwide network also ensures that the company will be better able to take advantage of the largely untapped African market.