DHL closes acquisition of ocean freight forwarder Hillebrand

Deutsche Post DHL Group has closed a €1.5 billion (A$2.2 trillion) acquisition of J.F. Hillebrand Group AG (Hillebrand) and its subsidiaries.

Hillenbrand, an international ocean freight forwarder specialising in beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages, including other bulk liquids, is now part of DHL Global Forwarding.

The company will combine with DHL’s beverage logistics unit Gori and operate under the brand name Hillebrand Gori.

Frank Appel, CEO at Deutsche Post DHL Group, said Hillebrand’s expertise in the logistics of beverages, beer, wine and spirits is an excellent addition to their 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,” he said.

Hillebrand Gori will be headed by Tim Scharwath, who leads the freight division of DHL Global Forwarding.

DHL also announced that Cees van Gent, Hillebrand’s CEO and Chairman of the Board, will step down and leave the group.

Tim Scharwath, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding, Freight, described the merger as a “perfect fit”.

“It combines the strengths of DHL Global Forwarding, Freight’s global network with Hillebrand’s and Goris’ best-in-class solutions. This allows us to fully utilise the benefits for our customers,” Scharwath said.

He continued that the group expects a seamless integration, with Hillebrand and Gori’s complementary business models.

“In combination with Gori we can leverage untapped synergies and develop even better transport solutions for our customers going forward,” he concluded.

Under the acquisition, Hillebrand’s majority shareholder Cobepa will sell its entire stake in Hillebrand after a 16-year ownership period.

During its ownership, Hillebrand has grown both organically and inorganically to have a global footprint in over 90 countries and more than 2,700 employees.

Hillebrand also produces Flexitanks, which are used to store non-hazardous cargo such as food items and bulk liquids, as part of its individualized shipping service offering.

According to DHL, the acquisition is set to strengthen the group’s position in the dynamic ocean freight forwarding market.

“By focusing on its profitable core and modernizing its IT infrastructure DHL Global Forwarding, Freight has reached new heights and contributed significantly to our Group’s record earnings of EUR 8.0bn in 2021,” said Melanie Kreis, CFO at Deutsche Post DHL Group.

“The acquisition of Hillebrand will further strengthen DHL Global Forwarding, Freight’s customer-focused ocean freight product portfolio and support business growth, going forward,” Kreis said.

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