Investment Trading Group LLC, commonly known as ITG, is a private investment company owned by investors from the United Arab Emirates. Headquartered in Dubai, ITG has investments across multiple industries including logistics, real estate, financial services, technology, and healthcare. The company was founded in 1989 and has become one of the largest investment firms in the Middle East. ITG is best known for its majority ownership of Danzas, a leading logistics provider in the UAE and the greater Gulf region. In October 2022, ITG agreed to sell its 60% stake in Danzas to DHL, marking the end of Danzas’ over 200-year history as an independent brand. The acquisition by DHL will allow Danzas’ operations to be fully integrated into DHL’s network in the UAE and GCC. Beyond logistics, ITG has a diversified portfolio of investments in sectors like real estate, fintech, e-commerce, and renewable energy. The company’s investment strategy focuses on high-growth industries that can benefit from the UAE’s business-friendly environment and rising middle class consumer demand. As a major shareholder of companies like Danzas, ITG plays an important role providing strategic guidance, capital, and access to growth opportunities across the GCC region and beyond.
ITG Was Founded in 1989 to Pursue Investment Opportunities in the UAE
Investment Trading Group has its origins in the Al Tayer Group, one of the largest business conglomerates in the UAE. Al Tayer entered the logistics industry in 1989 by establishing a joint venture with the Swiss-based Danzas Group. This new company was called Danzas AEI Emirates LLC and quickly became a leader in air, ocean, and road freight in the northern emirates and Dubai. In 1995, Al Tayer brought in DHL as a second joint venture partner for Danzas AEI Emirates. Under this new structure, DHL took a 40% stake while Al Tayer retained 60% ownership and changed the parent company name to Investment Trading Group. ITG saw an opportunity to tap into the UAE’s strategic location and business-friendly environment to build Danzas into a regional logistics leader. The partnership with DHL also gave Danzas global scale and expertise that enabled it to serve multinational companies operating in the Middle East. Danzas benefited from DHL’s worldwide network and best practices while also maintaining its own independent brand identity. Over the past 30+ years, ITG has guided Danzas to become one of the largest logistics players in the UAE handling over 240,000 sqm of warehousing capacity.
ITG Diversified into Other Sectors Like Real Estate, Financial Services, and Technology
While logistics has been a core focus, ITG has actively invested in other high-potential industries across the UAE and GCC region. The company expanded into real estate by developing commercial and residential properties in Dubai and other emirates. ITG also branched into financial services by establishing banks, investment firms, and other fintech startups to tap into the region’s rapidly growing finance sector. On the technology front, ITG has incubated e-commerce companies that cater to young, tech-savvy consumers. The company is also exploring renewable energy projects as the UAE pushes toward its sustainability goals. ITG’s diversified portfolio reflects its strategy to invest across emerging high-growth sectors that can capitalize on the UAE’s development. The company leverages its strong local business expertise and extensive network to identify new opportunities and then provide strategic guidance to its portfolio firms. While logistics remains a key focus, ITG today has evolved into a broad-based investment firm with stakes in real estate, banking, technology, healthcare, and energy companies across the UAE.
The Merger of Danzas into DHL Marks the End of an Era for ITG
In October 2022, ITG announced an agreement to sell its 60% majority stake in Danzas to its joint venture partner DHL. The deal, which is pending regulatory approval, will see DHL take full ownership of Danzas and integrate its operations under the DHL brand. This acquisition marks the end of Danzas’ legendary 208-year history as an independent logistics provider. For ITG, the sale concludes its long and successful partnership with DHL in growing Danzas into one of the leading logistics firms in the Middle East. While the merger of Danzas into DHL closes a chapter for ITG, the investment group will continue its focus on new opportunities in high-growth sectors in the UAE and regionally. This includes areas like e-commerce, renewable energy, fintech, and healthcare where ITG is actively incubating new companies. The Danzas deal also frees up substantial capital for ITG to pursue new strategic investments as a private investment company.
In summary, Investment Trading Group is a Dubai-based private investment firm owned by UAE investors. It was founded in 1989 and has holdings in logistics, real estate, financial services, technology, and energy. ITG helped grow Danzas into a top regional logistics provider before agreeing to sell it to joint venture partner DHL in 2022. Going forward, ITG will focus on new investments in emerging industries like e-commerce, fintech, and renewables.