DHL to buy Hillebrand

Hillebrand specialises in freight forwarding and logistics of beverages, non-hazardous bulk liquids and other products that require special care. In the past 12 months Hillebrand generated revenue of around €1.4 billion and will ship some 500,000 TEU in 2021. The firm has more than 2,700 employees worldwide.



One implication of DPDHL’s move is that is set to create a flexitank powerhouse. For some years DHL has run its own flexitank operations, while in October 2020 Hillebrand bought its closest rival Braid Logistics. The combined assets of these three operators in the world of flexis will tower over its competitors.

A statement from DHL said the buyer will benefit from Hillebrand’s know-how and customer experience in bulk liquids and other special care commodities.

“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 specialised segments,” said Tim Scharwath, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding, Freight. “In this context, Hillebrand is an exceptional opportunity and an excellent fit with our strategy.”

“Hillebrand is a leading ocean freight forwarder specialised in transport, logistics and supply chain management of beverages and non-hazardous bulk liquids,” added Cees van Gent, CEO and chairman of Hillebrand. “As DPDHL is a major global logistics company the two are a perfect match and we are pleased to announce our agreement to unite and form a future together.”

A full analysis of the merger will be featured in the Sept/Oct edition of Bulk Distributor.

www.dhl.com