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Bridge was founded by Adam Kethro in October 1980.
Core to an understanding of the Bridge Group is the unique Bridge Culture, which prides itself on flexibility, adaptability and above all, urgency in everything that we do. We have groomed like-minded people who live and perpetuate the spirit and culture of the Bridge Group and to date, we have a staff compliment of 750 employees.
As a privately owned enterprise, shareholding in the Bridge Group serves as a motivator for our management and staff, who are empowered to grow the businesses in which they have a stake. Bridge people pride themselves in eating, sleeping and dreaming about Bridge and what they can do to enhance and develop the Group through strong alliances with our customers and suppliers. The result of this effort and culture is that people choose to do business with Bridge. We are a premium supplier of choice in the industry sectors that we service.
1 July 2008 marked the beginning of a new era for the Bridge Group, when Standard Bank Private Equity acquired a 30% stake in the business in terms of a Management Buy Out. The transaction was facilitated by Standard Bank Private Equity in order to assist the management of the Bridge Group to increase their equity stake in the business.
Standard Bank is a global bank with African roots. It is South Africa's largest bank, distinguished by its extensive operations in 17 African countries. Outside the African continent, Standard Bank Group operations span to 21 countries, with an emerging market focus. Standard Bank's growing global presence allows it to take advantage of the increasing movement of capital between emerging markets and to facilitate trade flows. The strategic partnership of the two largest banks in Africa and China, Standard Bank and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC taking a 20% stake in Standard Bank), offers significant co-operation benefits and new capacity for growth in the years ahead.
In addition to the above, the Bridge Group is 26% black owned therefore fully BEE compliant with a BEE rating.
The Bridge Group comprises of 8 divisions that fall into 2 categories.
The Logistics Divisions include:
The Trading divisions include:
- Bridge Trade - fulfilling procurement for Sub Saharan large scale enterprises such as the mines, tobacco industry, cotton industry etc.
- Foton - as the Southern African agents for Foton Lovol Heavy Industries, we import, assemble, distribute and service Foton tractors in the Southern African region.
- Felda Bridge Africa - Joint venture company with Felda Malaysia and are the premier importers of palm oil products into South Africa
- Felda Bridge Industries - Locally based oil refinery that process bulk oils into specialised baking margarines and shortenings
The Bridge Group is an exciting group of companies in which our people as well as our customers and suppliers benefit and flourish. We welcome you, our new and potential customer to enjoy a part of our success and hope that you allow us to be a part of yours.
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