Aiming to
enhance its presence in the global market, Aras Kargo has fully acquired Star
Global (Starex), Azerbaijan’s leading logistics company, through its
international shipping subsidiary, Aras Global. Following the acquisition, the
company’s name has officially changed to Aras Global. Having initially entered
the Azerbaijani market by acquiring a 75% stake in Starex Global in 2023, Aras
Kargo has now deepened its presence in Central Asia. This move brings the
company one step closer to its regional leadership goals, supported by its
ongoing activities in Georgia and Uzbekistan.
By taking over all remaining shares of Starex
Global, Aras Kargo is transforming its Central Asian presence into a permanent
and robust structure. Aras Kargo is preparing to implement the same corporate
and technological cargo infrastructure in Azerbaijan that it successfully uses
in Turkey, initiating a significant transformation in the local logistics
sector. This step facilitates direct and efficient access for Turkey-based
e-commerce companies to Azerbaijan and surrounding markets, while laying the
groundwork for a powerful regional logistics network.
Starex Global Continues Under the Aras Global
Umbrella
Following this strategic development, the
company's management structure and trade name have been finalized. As part of
this transformation, Starex Global will now operate under the trade name Aras
Global. While maintaining an international board structure featuring executives
from Austria, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, Ramazan Altınay—currently Head of
International Affairs & Business Development at Aras Kargo and Board Member
of Aras Global—has been appointed General Manager of Aras Global in addition to
his existing roles.
The company aims to ensure continuity in regional
expertise and operational experience by retaining the existing local management
team in Azerbaijan. The brands for Aras Global’s regional subsidiaries have
also been established: operations in Azerbaijan will continue as Starex
Azerbaijan, while subsidiaries in Georgia and Uzbekistan will operate as Aras
Georgia and Aras Uzbekistan, respectively.
‘A Strategic Logistics Bridge to Central Asia and
the Caucasus’
Ramazan Altınay, Head of International Affairs
& Business Development at Aras Kargo and General Manager of Aras Global,
emphasized that this Central Asia-focused structure plays a critical role in
the company's international growth strategy:
“We have completed the process we began two years
ago with the 75% acquisition of Starex by purchasing all remaining shares
today. With this strategic investment, we are consolidating our strong position
in the region and taking a critical step toward our 2030 goal of regional
leadership. We continue to reshape cargo infrastructure across a vast
geography—from Turkey to Central Asia, and the Middle East to Europe—with
competitive pricing, high speed, and advanced technology. By leveraging the
regional strength of Starex, we aim to create a strategic logistics bridge to
Central Asia and the Caucasus. We have also launched cargo operations in
Georgia and Uzbekistan. We will scale our investments according to regional
needs and remain committed to evaluating opportunities in new countries.”
Home Delivery Rates Increase in Azerbaijan
Aras Kargo currently manages a comprehensive
logistics network across all cities in Azerbaijan, including Nakhchivan.
Ramazan Altınay noted that alongside opening new branches and investing in vehicle
fleets, there has been a significant shift in delivery habits.
“With the start of our operations in Azerbaijan,
home delivery services have gained momentum. Before our involvement,
approximately 95% of shipments were picked up from branches; today, that rate
has decreased to around 50%. In the coming period, we aim to further enhance
the customer experience by continuing to develop our home delivery services,”
Altınay added.