Evri, one of the UK's largest parcel delivery companies, and DHL eCommerce UK, the e-commerce logistics arm of DHL Group, have agreed to merge, forming a combined operation expected to handle more than 1 billion parcels and 1 billion business letters annually. As part of the transaction, DHL Group will acquire a significant minority stake in Evri.

The merger aims to enhance service offerings by combining Evri's cost-effective courier network with DHL eCommerce’s premium van delivery service, which will be rebranded as Evri Premium. 

The dedicated network will offer fast, time-sensitive deliveries with heightened security for high-value and large items in both B2B and B2C segments.

Expanded international reach

The newly formed group, DHL said in a statement, will bolster its global capabilities, leveraging DHL eCommerce's cross-border expertise and extensive network of 150,000 access points worldwide. Customers will benefit from faster transit times to markets in Europe, the U.S., and India, strengthening Evri’s international logistics footprint.

Additionally, Evri will enter the UK business letter market for the first time, maintaining DHL's UK Mail operations and providing e-commerce businesses with more options for shipping lightweight items. 

The merger will also create the UK's largest out-of-home parcel delivery and collection network, including 15,000 access points.

Martijn de Lange, CEO of Evri, emphasized the transformational impact of the merger. "By combining Evri's scale, innovation and DHL eCommerce's best-in-class premium van network, we are creating the pre-eminent parcel delivery group in the UK. Over the last decade Evri has grown ten-fold, and this transaction will further expand our access into European and global e-commerce markets."

Pablo Ciano, CEO of DHL eCommerce, echoed this sentiment. "DHL eCommerce and Evri both stand for top service quality, reliability, and sustainability, which makes this partnership a great fit for our customers. Together, we’re creating a one-stop shop for all parcel needs while offering better delivery options from around the world."

On completion of the transaction, the combined group will include 30,000 couriers and van drivers, supported by 12,000 colleagues.

It will also have a fleet of 8,000 vehicles delivering 1 billion parcels and 1 billion letters annually — and will become an SME one-stop-shop, covering mail, parcel, international, and fulfillment services.

Evri Chairman and Apollo Partner Alex van Hoek described the merger as a milestone moment. 

"This is a tremendous milestone in Evri's journey, and we are delighted to welcome a global leader like DHL as a strategic partner and shareholder."

The transaction remains subject to closing conditions and regulatory approvals, with Martijn de Lange set to lead the UK operations. Stu Hill, CEO of DHL eCommerce UK, will become MD of Evri's Premium DHL network business, while the DHL eCommerce UK executive team will transition into the new group.

The announcement said DHL's UK operations, including DHL Express, DHL Supply Chain, and DHL Global Forwarding, will remain unaffected by the merger.

Meanwhile, both parties did not disclose financial details of the deal.