Deutsche Post DHL Group (DHL) announced that beverage logistics specialist, J.F. Hillebrand Group AG, is now part of DHL Global Forwarding after obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals by the required antitrust authorities.
DHL closed the acquisition of J.F. Hillebrand Group AG (Hillebrand) and its subsidiaries at an equity value of EUR1.5 billion (US$1.65 billion) on March 23.
"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% to the DHL division Global Forwarding, Freight," the DHL statement said.
Frank Appel, CEO Deutsche Post DHL Group, noted that Hillebrand's expertise in the logistics of beverages, beer, wine, and spirits is an "excellent addition" to the Group's portfolio.
"In line with our Group Strategy 2025, we can further strengthen our logistics core and benefit our shareholders with profitable, long-term growth," Appel said. "This bolt-on acquisition is a great opportunity for us to add a number of services to our high-quality ocean freight service portfolio, which will strengthen earnings and longstanding client relationships from the start."
Hillebrand has an extensive footprint in liquid logistics with a global footprint in over 90 countries and more than 2,700 employees. It specializes in the ocean freight forwarding of beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages as well as other bulk liquids.
New head for Hillebrand-Gori
DHL noted that as Hillebrand is now part of DHL Global Forwarding, Freight it will be led by Tim Scharwath, who will also head the combined businesses of Hillebrand and Gori as its CEO.
Meanwhile, DHL noted that Cees van Gent, who successfully managed Hillebrand since 2017, decided to step down as its CEO and chairman of the board and will leave the group.
The logistics behemoth noted that Hillebrand and Gori will work closely together and synergize from the extensive experience of both providers, especially in the logistics of beverages, beer, wine, and spirits.
Gori, a wine and spirits sector specialist, has already been part of DHL Global Forwarding, Freight since 1998.
The integrated business will operate under the new brand name "Hillebrand Gori — a DHL company".
DHL said the successful closing of the transaction will strengthen the Group's position in the dynamic ocean freight forwarding market.
"The merger is a perfect fit, as it combines the strengths of DHL Global Forwarding, Freight's global network with Hillebrand's and Goris' best-in-class solutions," said Tim Scharwath, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding, Freight.
"With Hillebrand and Gori running complementary business models, we expect a seamless integration. In combination with Gori we can leverage untapped synergies and develop even better transport solutions for our customers going forward," Scharwath added.
DHL said in its announcement that Hillebrand's majority shareholder Cobepa will sell its entire stake in Hillebrand after a 16-year ownership period.
"The acquisition of Hillebrand will further strengthen DHL Global Forwarding, Freight's customer-focused ocean freight product portfolio and support business growth, going forward," commented Melanie Kreis, CFO Deutsche Post DHL Group.
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.
