The Formal Future

• In high-level logistics discussions, we use specific formal structures to express scheduled, anticipated, or imminent future events regarding corporate developments.
• Structure
• Usage
• Example
• be to + verb
• Official plans or commands
• Apex Logistics is to acquire the carrier.
• be slated to
• Scheduled timetable
• The merger is slated to close in Chicago.
• be poised to
• Ready for imminent action
• Our deal team is poised to sign.
• Remember
• Use 'be to' for official arrangements and binding agreements.
• Use 'be slated to' or 'be expected to' for timelines and forecasts.
• Use 'be poised to' or 'be on the verge of' when an event is about to happen immediately.
• Use 'be destined to' for inevitable historical outcomes in corporate growth.
• Examples
• The private equity firm is to finalise the valuation by Friday.
• Our Boston-based brokerage is poised to expand its fleet.
• The target company is on the verge of accepting the term sheet.
• Common mistakes
• The acquisition is will close next month.
• The acquisition is slated to close next month.

Complete the sentences

• Our logistics group in Dallas (slate) ____ announce the merger tomorrow.
• The board of directors (be) ____ review the purchase price in London.
• The acquirer (poise) ____ sign the letter of intent in New York.
• That regional carrier (verge) ____ signing the final contract.
• Our operations team (expect) ____ deliver the integration plan by noon.
• The strategic partnership (destine) ____ transform US freight logistics.

Sources: photo by Min An on Pexels