Deutsche Post DHL Group is to acquire up to 100% of ocean freight forwarders J.F. Hillebrand Group AG and its subsidiaries in a €1.5 billion deal.
Hillebrand is a global service provider that specialises in ocean freight forwarding, transport and logistics of beverages, non-hazardous bulk liquids and other products that require special care. DHL says that the combination of Hillebrand with DHL’s Global Forwarding, Freight division will strengthen the group’s position in the ocean freight forwarding market.
“With the growing maturity of our freight forwarding business, this bolt-on acquisition of Hillebrand is highly complementary to our existing portfolio. In line with our Group Strategy, we strengthen our core logistics business and deliver profitable long-term growth”, says Frank Appel, CEO Deutsche Post DHL Group.
“After concentrating on improving the business operationally, we are now able to direct our core business towards sustainably higher margins by broadening our reach and service offering in specialized segments”, said Tim Scharwath, CEO DHL Global Forwarding, Freight. “In this context, Hillebrand is an exceptional opportunity and an excellent fit with our strategy.”
