Trans Ocean Distribution Limited Acquires Seatrans Manufacturing (Proprietary) Limited

London, United Kingdom, October 11, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Trans Ocean Distribution Limited (TOD), part of the JF Hillebrand Group, is pleased to announce that it has acquired 100% of the shares in Seatrans Manufacturing (Propriety) Limited.

This strategic acquisition further consolidates TOD’s position as the industry leader in the provision of bulk liquid logistics services using quality flexitank equipment alongside the JF Hillebrand Group’s leading industry position in the global packaged beverage markets.

Seatrans Manufacturing, a long-time supplier of flexitanks to TOD, is the latest addition to a global organization with more than 40 owned offices world-wide staffed by more than 1200 supply chain professionals. As a leading manufacturer of quality flexitanks Seatrans Manufacturing will add significantly to the existing installed manufacturing capability and capacity of the Group.

With its ISO9000 and ISO 9001/2000 certified state-of-the-art factory in Cape Town, South Africa, Seatrans Manufacturing will play a key role in the Group’s future manufacturing strategy and compliment TOD’s two existing factories in China and Malaysia operating under the Trans Ocean Liquid Technologies (TOLT) banner. TOLT is now the largest producer of flexitanks globally and while focusing primarily on its proven RhinoBulk® and VinBulk® equipment will be looking to expand its R&D, engineering and manufacturing expertise into other related product areas.

TOD is now well placed to ensure continuity of quality flexitank equipment supply well into the future as current and future demand patterns dictate. All TOD’s flexitank equipment is designed and built in-house under rigorous design, manufacturing and quality standards which cover raw material sourcing and purchasing right through to final product completion and delivery. The world-class and well recognized manufacturing and quality skills of the Seatrans Manufacturing organization will further strengthen TOD’s strategy of being totally self-sufficient in the supply of flexitanks into the Group, a trademark characteristic which has set TOD apart as a recognized and trusted market leader.

Terry Kelly and Hugh Rowan will remain with the Group and will become members of a local four member Board of Directors responsible for the management of the facility and its business. Seatrans Manufacturing, in conjunction with TOD and the JF Hillebrand Group, will continue to provide professional logistics services to its customer base in South Africa and further afield in Africa and elsewhere.

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Note to Editors

JF Hillebrand
Headquartered in Mainz Germany, Hillebrand employs 950 people in 36 offices located in 22 countries. The Group reported € 500 million turnover in 2006 and container throughput of 288,000 TEU. International equity provider COBEPA owns 40% of the share capital, whilst Mitsui OSK Lines owns 30% and the remaining 30% is held by family management.

Trans Ocean Distribution
Acquired by the JF Hillebrand Group in April 2007, Trans Ocean Distribution, headquartered in Southampton, UK, employs 250 people in 6 offices globally, and reported a €76 million turnover in 2006.

Seatrans Manufacturing
Seatrans started business in 1984 as the sole South African agent for Trans Ocean Distribution (TOD). The company has made a reputation as the leading international supplier of single-ply Polyethylene Flexitanks.

For additional information, please refer to their website: www.jfhillebrand.com

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