DHL eCommerce has officially completed its minority stake acquisition in AJEX Logistics Services, a parcel delivery company based in Saudi Arabia.
AJEX is a GCC supply chain and transportation company, owned by Ajlan & Bros Holding Group.
DHL said the move marks a significant milestone in its expansion into the rapidly growing Saudi Arabian parcel market and AJEX expansion across the Middle East.
"The strategic partnership positions DHL eCommerce and AJEX to capitalize on the anticipated double-digit growth in Saudi Arabia's e-commerce sector, a key pillar of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, as well as across the broader Middle East region," DHL said in the announcement.
AJEX began operating in 2021 and has since built a regional and domestic parcel network that includes over 60 facilities, 1,200 vehicles, and around 2,000 employees.
By combining AJEX’s local infrastructure with DHL eCommerce’s global logistics expertise, the partnership aims to improve delivery coverage and service quality across the region.
"As part of our Strategy 2030 'Accelerate Sustainable Growth', DHL Group is investing EUR 500 million in high-potential markets like Saudi Arabia," said Pablo Ciano, CEO of DHL eCommerce. "The customer-centric approach and strong regional presence of AJEX, combined with DHL's global expertise, will enable us to deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable parcel solutions across the region."
Ajlan Mohamed Al Ajlan, group managing director of Ajlan & Bros Holding Group, noted that by combining regional expertise with global reach, the partnership is set to elevate standards of efficiency and reliability across the region's delivery sector and contribute to critical Saudi Vision 2030 goals.
"United by shared values of customer-centricity, innovation, and teamwork, the AJEX-DHL partnership will play a crucial role in powering the e-commerce boom across Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East, supporting core high-growth sectors, and helping to drive broader industry development."
Mohammed Albayati, Group CEO of AJEX, said the acquisition of a minority stake by DHL eCommerce in AJEX marks a major milestone in the company's growth.
"For our customers across Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region, this means access to faster, smarter, and more innovative delivery services, powering the region's fast-growing e-commerce markets," he siad.
As part of the partnership, DHL eCommerce will have representation on the management board at AJEX and holds the option to increase its stake to a majority position in the future.
DHL eCommerce, along with the business units DHL Express, DHL Supply Chain, and DHL Global Forwarding, are now present in the country. Going forward, AJEX will be branded as 'AJEX, a partner of DHL eCommerce'.
DHL first announced that it is entering the Saudi Arabian market through a minority stake acquisition with AJEX Logistics Services in February 2025.
