March 06 - Project freight forwarder STS Logistics says it intends to merge with RLS to create one of the largest independent logistics providers in Russia.

The two companies are in advanced negotiations and anticipate that the final agreements will be concluded by the end of the month.

Consolidated annual revenues of the new business structure will be at least US$300m and the company says it will employ more than 1,500 people.

STS focuses on international multimodal freight forwarding and customs brokerage services, typically for clients in the oil and gas, construction and automotive sectors, whilst RLS specialises in pan-Russian logistics for FMCG clients.