DURBAN, South Africa -- Barloworld plans to expand through acquisitions it has identified in the US.

Chief executive Tony Phillips told Business Day that, with the US economy suffering after the September 11 terrorist attacks, "there are some very good opportunities at good prices".

He said the most attractive potential acquisitions were Freightliner truck and Hyster forklift dealerships. Barloworld is already involved with both companies.

Barloworld managers would travel to South America next year looking at capital goods distribution in Argentina, Brazil and Chile, Mr Phillips said.

Barloworld's revenue surged 24 percent to R27.9 billion (USD2.86 billion) from R22.5 billion (USD2.3 billion) for the year ended September 30, but profit fell to R687 million (USD70.37 million) from R1.5 billion (USD150 million).