4PL Group
Third-and fourth party logistics solutions for Southern Africa
Logistics
Founded in 2006, the 4PL Group is a rapidly growing provider of third-party logistics (outsourced logistics brokers/contractors) and fourth-party logistics (long-term integrated supply chain management), serving clients throughout the southern African region across the agricultural, forestry, waste, retail, telecoms, computing, food, FMCG, health care, construction, manufacturing, mining and industrial sectors.

Comprising six business units that each operate as industry leaders in their own right, the 4PL Group aggregates and amplifies the core competencies of its individual subsidiaries to deliver truly turn-key, tailormade supply chain solutions for even the most complex logistical environments.

Leveraging a wealth of industry knowledge and a deeply rooted commitment to operational excellence, the 4PL Group is adept at navigating the evolving challenges of the logistics landscape. Its integrated approach not only streamlines the movement of goods and materials but also enhances efficiency, transparency, and cost-effectiveness for its diverse client base. By investing in the latest technology and maintaining strong partnerships with carriers and service providers, the Group ensures that its solutions are scalable and resilient. Each business unit within the Group brings specialised expertise, allowing the Group to respond quickly to market demands and to tailor logistics strategies that support business growth and sustainability.

The 4PL Group has enjoyed over a decade of consistent growth through acquisitions and organic expansion, resulting in the emergence of an integrated supply chain company that is ideally positioned for further growth – its own, and that of the clients they serve. The business endeavours to grow and innovate so as to consistently offer best-practice solutions in meeting their clients’ supply chain requirements.

This sustained expansion has been driven by a forward-thinking leadership team, a focus on continuous improvement, and a dedication to building long-term relationships with clients. The Group’s client-centric philosophy is reflected in its ability to adapt to changing market conditions, implement innovative logistics solutions, and support the evolving needs of businesses across the southern African region. With a strong foundation and a clear vision for the future, the 4PL Group remains committed to delivering value, reliability, and excellence in every aspect of supply chain management.

1. SummerPlace Equity Partners
Vuna Partners shareholding
57%
Management shareholding
17%
Co-investor shareholding1
26%
History
2006
4PL Founded
Brendan Pearson co-founded 4PL Group, a logistics business that promised to do something quite radical at the time: operate without owning the trucks.
2020
Vuna Partners 80% share buy in
The high quality of its earnings, impressive return on invested capital, and its experienced founding management team with strong capital allocation discipline, made 4PL Group an attractive investment for the Fund.
2021
SummerPlace Equity Partners acquire a 26% stake
Vuna Partners introduced co-investment partner, SummerPlace Equity Partners, who acquired a 26% stake from Vuna Partners. SummerPlace Equity Partners is a Black Women-led Fund.
2
B-BBEE level
700 +
Employees
300 +
Fleet size
“It was about arbitraging inefficiencies. We didn’t need to own everything, we just needed to understand it better than the people who did.”
Brendan Pearson
News and insights from
4PL Group
News and insights from
4PL Group
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