Saudi Arabia's SAL Enters Europe With $32 Million Belgium Acquisition

Saudi Logistics Services Company (SAL) has completed the $32 million all-cash acquisition of Belgium's Aviapartner Liège, marking its first operational expansion outside Saudi Arabia and establishing its first European cargo handling base at Liège Airport.

The acquisition expands SAL's network to 20 stations and gives the company control of Aviapartner Liège's cargo handling and warehouse logistics operations, as well as its relationships with airlines, freight forwarders and logistics providers.

Handling more than one million tonnes of cargo annually, Liège Airport is Europe's fifth-largest cargo airport by freight volume. Located within Europe's cargo "Golden Triangle", the airport provides access to markets across Germany, France, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, while operating around the clock without night flight restrictions.

Through the transaction, SAL also acquires expertise in handling high-value and time-sensitive cargo, including pharmaceuticals, perishables, automotive shipments and other specialist freight.

According to the company, the acquisition supports its plans to create operational synergies across cargo handling, warehouse logistics, specialist freight processing and European road distribution, while expanding the services it can offer international customers. The deal also aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategy to strengthen the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub and reflects the broader international expansion of Saudi companies.