Deal Closed: Ocean freight forwarding and beverage logistics expert J.F. Hillebrand Group AG is now part of DHL
Posted: March 28, 2022| Bonn, Germany 28 March 2022Deutsche Post DHL Group closes the acquisition of J.F. Hillebrand Group AG (Hillebrand) and its subsidiaries at an equity value of €1.5 billion. After obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals by the required antitrust authorities, the takeover has been consummated. The companies had already signed the purchase agreement in August 2021. Accordingly, Hillebrand now belongs 100 percent to DHL.”Hillebrand’s expertise in the logistics of beverages, beer, wine and spirits is an excellent addition to our portfolio. In line with our Group Strategy 2025, we can further strengthen our logistics core and benefit our shareholders with profitable, long-term growth”, says Frank Appel, CEO Deutsche Post DHL Group. “This bolt-on acquisition is a great opportunity for us to add a number of services to our high-quality service portfolio, which will strengthen earnings and longstanding client relationships from the start.”Cees van Gent who successfully managed Hillebrand since 2017, has stepped down as its CEO and Chairman of the Board and decided to leave the group. Tim Scharwath, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding, now heads the combined businesses of Hillebrand and Gori as part of the DHL Global Forwarding division.While this represents a large part of the Hillebrand acquisition, the business unit formerly known as SLG (Satellite Logistics Group), and Hillebrand’s Last Mile service will join DHL’s Supply Chain division as a member company and fall under the leadership of Scott Moorad as CEO. The business will continue to focus on and be dedicated to keg solutions, supply chain management services and last mile delivery of fine wine and beverages in the US and Canada. Hillebrand’s majority shareholder Cobepa will sell its entire stake in Hillebrand after a 16-year ownership period. During its ownership, Hillebrand’s management has significantly reinforced its leadership position in the beverage freight forwarding and bulk liquids markets through organic and inorganic growth as well as through its relentless focus on both superior service and customer-centricity. Hillebrand has extensive expertise in liquid logistics with a global footprint in over 90 countries and more than 2,700 employees. Hillebrand’s best-in-class IT systems and customer facing tools provide the basis for outstanding service quality with exceptional customer experience. In addition, Hillebrand also produces Flexitanks as part of its individualized shipping service solutions for liquid products, which set the benchmark in this area. Deutsche Post DHL Group looks forward to benefiting from Hillebrand’s knowledge and experience providing tailor-made shipping solutions. An important part of Deutsche Post DHL Group’s Strategy 2025 is to strengthen its profitable core and grow its logistics business further into sustainable higher margin levels, which explains Hillebrand as an attractive partner to increase profitable long-term growth.
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