SmartProcurement’s parent company Commerce Edge, a leading procurement training company, has sold a majority share to Supply chain specialist and member company of IMPERIAL Logistics, Volition.
The deal enables further international expansion for Commerce Edge while strengthening IMPERIAL Logistics’ procurement intellectual capital and capacity, as well as training assets.
“This relationship allows us to offer a broader value proposition to the market, from the assessment and development of procurement human capital to the provision of specialist procurement advisory services and operational execution,” says Marius Swanepoel, CEO of IMPERIAL Logistics.
There is strong alignment between Volition and Commerce Edge. Both companies have clients in Africa and the Middle East, through which a strengthened expansion focus is enabled. “The combination of specialist skills and intellectual property generates a compelling supply chain education service offering,” he says.
Commerce Edge, a leading provider of procurement education and training solutions in Africa was the first international study centre in South Africa to be appointed by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS). The Commerce Edge Academy assists students to complete various CIPS qualifications through a blend of tutor-enabled learning and classroom tutorials.
“Procurement is moving forward as a critical supply chain enabler, and fulfils a strategic role in ensuring sustainable organisational performance,” says Bernie van Niekerk, Commerce Edge CEO and Publishing Editor of SmartProcurement. “Through programmes such as our World-Class Procurement series, we work with the procurement community to tighten systems and heighten efficiencies.”
Since its inception ten years ago, the company has developed a world-class virtual classroom and best practice e-learning system.
Van Niekerk says that Commerce Edge is proud to have joined a global group such as IMPERIAL Logistics. “Volition’s innovation is unparalleled. Together, we can generate solutions that create, improve, manage and retain scarce and critical talent,” he adds.
Volition is a renowned Business Process Outsource (BPO) specialist, with blue chip customers such as brandhouse, Absa, BMW, Cadbury, Clover Sasol, and Toyota. To date, Commerce Edge has delivered services to more than 300 organisations, including brands such as Exxaro, Gold Fields, MTN and Standard Bank and key public sector entities at all spheres of Government.
“We launched www.smartprocurement.co.za in 2004, which today has 23 000 readers. In 2008, we hosted the first SmartProcurement Annual Conference, which continues to grow year-on-year,” says van Niekerk. Smart Procurement World South Africa 2011 takes place between 11th and 13th October 2011.
He adds that through the partnership, Commerce Edge aims to further expand its training and education services beyond procurement. “Our training methodologies can be applied within the broader logistics and supply chain context. Our focus includes logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, sales and operations planning and sales. We also recently launched a leadership programme.”
“This acquisition brings together two dynamic companies. The combination offers the private and public sectors extensive possibilities through which to address significant skills development challenges facing South Africa,” concludes Swanepoel.
