Samara Capital has acquired stakes in Associated Road Carriers (ARC) and Calyx Terminals, bringing the two businesses together under a new integrated logistics platform that will combine road transportation with port-linked freight operations.
The investment is around Rs 1,200 crore, with Samara and the promoters holding equal stakes in the new entity.
The transaction brings together two different parts of the logistics chain. ARC contributes its business-to-business road transportation network, while Calyx brings container freight station operations at Chennai Port. Together, the two companies reported revenue of around Rs 2,140 crore in FY26.
That combination is central to the plan for the new platform. Rather than operating only as a road transport business or concentrating solely on port-linked services, the venture intends to use ARC’s road network and Calyx’s infrastructure to serve customers across multiple stages of the supply chain.
Fresh capital to go into network expansion and technology
Capital will be used for expanding the network of branches and hubs for the platform. The company intends to improve its capability in first and last mile deliveries and its technological capabilities as well.
The investment plan goes beyond adding physical capacity. Technology, data engineering and process improvements are also expected to be areas of focus as the platform works on improving its operations.
This gives the new business a two-track expansion strategy: widen its physical logistics footprint while also improving the systems supporting movement and management of cargo.
Acquisitions could become another part of that expansion. The platform may pursue deals as it builds out its presence across India, although no specific acquisition targets have been identified in the available information.
ARC and Calyx bring complementary operations
The structure of the platform gives Samara Capital exposure to businesses operating at different points in cargo movement.
ARC’s contribution is its B2B road transportation network, providing the domestic movement component of the platform. Calyx adds its container freight station operations at Chennai Port, giving the combined business a port-linked component.
The plan is to use those complementary operations to develop a nationwide logistics business serving both domestic and EXIM cargo.
That ambition also explains the emphasis on first-mile and last-mile capabilities. A broader branch and hub network, combined with road transportation and port infrastructure, would allow the platform to connect more stages of cargo movement within a single operating structure.
Equal ownership gives the transaction a distinctive structure
Ownership structure forms part of the most outstanding features of the agreement where Samara Capital and the promoters are expected to have equal shares in the company formed, together with an investment by Samara of about Rs 1,200 crore.
The combined FY26 revenue figure of about Rs 2,140 crore also means the platform is being assembled around two existing operating businesses rather than being built as a new logistics venture from the ground up.
The immediate priorities are now clearly defined: expand the network, improve first-mile and last-mile capabilities, invest in technology and data systems, and potentially use acquisitions to broaden the platform’s reach.
Also Read: Melinda French Gates Refused to Fund Daughter Phoebe’s Startup, Here’s Why
