First Annual Logistics M&A China Forum to take place in Shanghai on Apr. 4

On April 4, 2006, the China Supply Chain Council (C.S.C.C.), in partnership with Supply Chain Asia, will organize the first annual Logistics M&A China Forum, in Shanghai, China, providing a platform for logistics and transportation professionals to discuss and exchange views on mergers, acquisitions, takeover and divesture strategies in China.

The past few weeks have seen a rising activity in M&A activity in the logistics and transportation sector. Internationally, AP Moeller-Maersk bought P&O Nedlloyd, Deutsche Bahn, which already owns Schenker, purchased Bax Global and Deutsche Post World Net, parent company of DHL, has completed the acquisition of Exel plc. Domestically, TNT bought Huayu Logistics; and more recently, FedEx acquired Tianjin Datian W. Group. (DTW) and China Merchants has taken over Sinotrans.

This timely event will also bring together key players - both local and foreign operators - from the logistics sector including 3PLs, freight forwarders, trucking and warehouse operators. It will act as a forum to meet and exchange ideas with peers in this crucial but specialist market segment, including advisors, investors and logisticians.

The summit will feature general session and panels discussions during the morning, followed by a half-day workshop lead by BG Strategic Advisors that managed the deal between PWC Logistics and Transoceanic (Geo-Logistics) as well as Translink in Asia. Benjamin Gordon, the Managing Director and Founder of BGSA will be chairing the workshop.

Confirmed speakers already include:
- Gary So, Vice-President, Kerry EAS
- Graham Matthews, Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers Shanghai
- Kim Woodard, CEO, Javelin Investments
- Michael Yang, Partner, GaoDe Investment Advisory
- Qiang Li, China Counsel, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Shanghai

Executives from Maersk, P&O, Schenker, Bax Global, DHL, Exel, TNT, FedEx, DTW, China Merchants and Sinotrans have also been invited to share their experience.

A selected number of privately-owned Chinese 3PLs, freight forwarders, trucking companies and warehouse operators have also been invited to the event and, if required, matchmaking meetings will eventually be arranged.

Again Zhang, by meeting local and foreign logistics operator’s face to face, attending presentations and panels, and joining in the discussions, you will leave with a deeper understanding of the current opportunities for investing, acquiring or selling logistics operations in China.

FINAL CALL FOR SPEAKERS
If you have been involved in acquisitions, mergers or integrating logistics businesses in China, and would like to participate as a speaker or panelist, then please let us know. As a speaker or panelist, you will receive one complimentary pass for the full day, five-star buffet lunch and special invitations to a dinner and wine tasting. In addition, you may be featured in the special “Logistics M&A” Shanghai Daily Supplement to be published in March 2006.

Space is now very limited, so interested speakers and panelists are encouraged to respond early.

For more information, contact Max HENRY, Founder & Executive Director, China Supply Chain Council at mhenry@supplychain.cn or visit www.supplychain.cn