Toll lines up another transport target

Australian logistics company Toll Holdings is discussing a possible takeover with one of New Zealand's largest timber transport and logistics groups.

Mike Lambert, managing director of the Bay of Plenty's 34-company Lambert Group, confirmed negotiations with Toll.

Toll and Mainfreight are battling for position in what commentators see as an inevitable restructuring of New Zealand's fragmented transport and logistics industry.

At the start of November, Mainfreight's attempted full takeover of Owens Transport was spoiled by Toll's grabbing 12 per cent of the shares.

Chiefs of both companies left open suggestions that Toll may eventually target Mainfreight itself.

The Lambert Group, based at Papamoa near Te Puke, is regarded as one of the country's biggest timber-based logistics and support firms.

The company is involved in the handling and transport of timber, sawmill and machinery servicing, and general transport in the Rotorua/Bay of Plenty region.

It is a big player in bulk handling at Port of Tauranga. Toll has big interests in Australian port logistics and stevedoring.

- NZPA