(Yicai Global) March 13 -- SF Holding Co., the operator of China's largest private courier SF Express, will form a joint venture with US supply chain system provider HAVI Group LP to develop a leader in the field of cold chain logistics in China.

SF Holding will be the controlling shareholder of the new company, which will fold in part of HAVI's existing Chinese logistics business, the Shenzhen-based company said in a statement today.

The two parties aims to make the JV an open platform, leading China's cold chain logistics sector in terms of business scale, growth and profitability. Both aim to devote more resources to creating a benchmark for quality and food safety standards. The new firm will provide customers with more comprehensive and efficient solutions, while promoting the sector's overall growth in the country.

"The new joint venture will provide customers throughout the cold chain market with end-to-end solutions and services," said SF Holding's Assistant Chief Executive Eddie Huang. "SF is delighted to be partnering with HAVI to promote the growth and development of the cold chain logistics sector in China. SF has deep experience in the B2C market whereas HAVI is traditionally very strong in the B2B market. 

Founded in 1974, Illinois-based HAVI offers marketing analytics, packaging, supply chain management and logistics services. It employs more than 10,000 people and serves customers in over 100 countries. As a major part of McDonald's food supply chain, HAVI serves thousands of its restaurants worldwide.