dnata forays into South America, to buy stake in Brazils RM Ground Services

Wednesday, Nov 25, 2015

Dubai: Emirates Group’s unit, dnata, has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Brazil’s RM Ground Services, the air services provider said in a statement on Wednesday, without divulging the value of the deal. The acquisition marks dnata’s first step into South America.

“The purchase of RM Ground Services is an important milestone for dnata. This latest acquisition opens the door for dnata to serve one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation regions, South America,” Stewart Angus, dnata’s Divisional Senior Vice President of International Airport Operations, said in a statement.

As a part of the deal, the Recife-based company will be rebranded dnata, and Ricardo Morrison will continue as its chief executive. All current staff will also remain with the company, as per the company statement.

dnata recently invested in ground handling operations in Milan and cargo facilities at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

The company offers ground handling, cargo, travel, and flight catering services, and is a partner for more than 380 airline customers around the world.

Established in 2004, RM Ground Services offers passenger and ramp handling as well as cargo services. The company has 2,100 employees, serves over 400 flights a day at 24 airports across the country. Its domestic clients include GOL, AZUL, Avianca and TAM Airlines.

Staff Report