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Tag: merger

Williams Shipping Expands in Scotland with Acquisition and New Site

Posted on by Will Priestman

Southampton-based logistics and maritime services specialist Williams Shipping has strengthened its presence in Scotland with the acquisition of GIF Transport and Logistics and the purchase of land in Dyce, Aberdeen, earmarked for further expansion. The move builds on an already strong working relationship between the two companies, with GIF set to continue trading under its existing brand and management to ensure uninterrupted service for customers.

Williams Shipping Logistics Managing Director Jonathan Williams said the partnership was founded on shared values and a mutual commitment to delivering first-class service. GIF director Brian Pirie echoed the sentiment, noting that the collaboration would allow both companies to build on their strong reputations and offer greater value to customers across the UK logistics market.

The Dyce site will become GIF’s new headquarters and will also house Williams Marine Lubricants and the company’s specialist container division, Willbox. The location is set to play a key role in the group’s operations in the north, with phased development already under way and full operations expected to commence later this year.

For the UK logistics sector, this acquisition and expansion represent a significant strengthening of Williams Shipping’s network. By integrating transport, marine lubricants and container solutions under one hub, the company is set to enhance efficiency, improve customer service, and increase its agility in serving both regional and national markets.

Global Logistics Shake-Up: Pentagon Joins JAS

Posted on by Will Priestman

Pentagon Freight Services has announced it is joining global logistics giant JAS Worldwide, marking a major milestone in the company’s 50-year journey as a specialist freight forwarder. The acquisition represents a strategic step forward for both organisations and is set to strengthen JAS’s capabilities across key industry verticals.

A New Chapter for Pentagon

The announcement, shared by Pentagon on 1 August 2025, confirms that the two companies have signed a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA). The transaction is expected to close later this year, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions.

For Pentagon, which operates more than 65 offices and employs over 1,200 staff globally, this move signals a new phase of growth. Known for its expertise in logistics solutions for the energy sector and beyond, Pentagon brings extensive experience in handling complex, project-based freight across demanding environments.

Strategic Alignment with JAS

Pentagon highlighted that the decision to join JAS was driven by shared values and a strong cultural fit. The company described JAS as an organisation with “a clear and ambitious growth strategy, coupled with a highly complementary global network.” The acquisition is expected to provide expanded opportunities for both employees and customers.

In the official statement, Pentagon noted:

“This exciting development will allow us to further enhance our service offerings, broaden our global reach, and provide our clients with even more innovative and efficient logistics solutions.”

Focus on Continuity and Opportunity

The leadership at Pentagon reassured staff and customers that it will remain “business as usual” in the short term, with no immediate changes to operations or service levels. The company also emphasized its commitment to continuity, while looking ahead to the long-term advantages that the integration will bring.

Pentagon concluded the announcement by thanking its team, customers, and partners for their continued support and said it was “excited for the journey ahead.”

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Comau Enters Agreement to Acquire Automha

Posted on by David Priestman

Comau has signed a binding agreement for the acquisition of Automha, an Italian company operating in the warehousing and intralogistics automation industry, owned by Trasma. The closing of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions precedent in transactions of this type, including necessary regulatory approvals, and is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2025. Under the terms of the agreement Comau will acquire 100% of Automha shares, paving the way for new opportunities within the rapidly growing warehousing and logistics sector and establishing a further step toward the creation of a forward-focused Italian industrial automation hub able to innovate and compete in multiple markets.

To ensure business continuity, Automha will continue to operate with the same structure, management and strategic vision, keeping people, quality and innovation at its core. Franco Togni will retain his position as CEO while Gianni Togni and Roberta Togni, in addition to continuing in their current roles, will join the Comau Executive Committee to contribute to the ongoing development of both companies.

This binding agreement is coherent with the strategy behind the recent change in Comau’s shareholder structure – whose majority share is now held by One Equity Partners, an international private equity firm – which has allowed Comau to become a standalone company. With this acquisition Comau reconfirms and strengthens its Italian roots and operations, while enhancing its global offer and international presence. In parallel, Automha will be able to scale-up and further develop its business by leveraging an enhanced geographical footprint and in-house technology competencies. Furthermore, given that Comau and Automha are fully complementary, the relationship will strengthen the mutual portfolio of projects.

“Expanding our reach, know-how and technology portfolio through the acquisition of innovative companies such as Automha is a crucial step in Comau’s growth strategy, as defined when we became a stand-alone company and implemented immediately after the closing phase,” said Pietro Gorlier, CEO of Comau. “In addition to capitalizing on the strong growth potential of warehousing and intralogistics markets, the integration of Automha within Comau will allow us to leverage our combined expertise and resources, to accelerate innovation and growth across a wide range of global industrial sectors.”

“When we invested in Comau, we saw a clear path forward to help the company expand strategically and gain scale. M&A is a main driver for this, and we identified warehouse, logistics and handling automation systems as a significant opportunity for this business,” said Ante Kusurin, Partner at One Equity Partners. “The acquisition of Automha is a move toward diversification of Comau’s operations and further taps the company into industrial automation trends improving productivity across many industries. We are excited for the opportunity ahead of us as these two complementary companies join forces.”

“In Comau we have found a partner who shares our values of quality, innovation, and commitment to customer success,” added Franco Togni, Founder of Automha. “This new chapter represents not only a moment of growth for Automha but also a continuation of the journey that began in 1979. I look forward to the future that lies ahead, knowing that together with Comau, we will continue to build excellence, expand our global impact and to reach a proper size to keep a leading position in a market that is increasing competitiveness and project dimensions.”

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InPost Acquire Delivery Company Yodel

Posted on by David Priestman

European e-commerce logistics provider InPost has announced its acquisition of parcel delivery company Yodel, aiming to accelerate its expansion in the UK market.

InPost stated that the acquisition will unify out-of-home and doorstep delivery solutions under a single brand, enhancing its operational scale, broadening its service offering, and delivering greater convenience for both retailers and customers.

As part of the deal, InPost has acquired 95.5% of the share capital of Judge Logistics Ltd (JLL), the parent company of Yodel Delivery Network. PayPoint will retain a minority stake of 4.5%.

Following the transaction, InPost UK’s market share has grown to around 8%, positioning it as the third-largest agnostic e-commerce logistics carrier in the country. This move builds on InPost’s previous acquisition of Menzies Distribution in October 2024, which granted it full control over its logistics operations in the UK.

Rafał Brzoska, founder and CEO of InPost Group, described the deal as a major milestone in the company’s strategy to transform the UK delivery landscape and strengthen its pan-European presence. He noted that the acquisition accelerates what would have taken five years of organic growth and underlines the company’s long-term commitment to the UK, a market with significant growth potential.

Neil Kuschel, CEO of InPost UK, called the acquisition a transformative step for the company’s UK operations. He highlighted the integration of doorstep deliveries with InPost’s extensive locker network as a key advantage that will allow the company to offer increased reliability, flexibility, and efficiency to customers and e-commerce retailers. “By combining Yodel’s trusted to-door service with our market-leading out-of-home offering, we are creating a carrier that genuinely responds to how people want to send and receive parcels in today’s fast-paced, convenience-focused world,” Kuschel said.

With this acquisition, InPost aims to realize several strategic objectives. It anticipates rapid growth in the UK, delivering over 300 million parcels annually and serving more than 500 e-commerce merchants. The company’s market share has already reached approximately 8%, supported by 10,000 automated parcel machines and over 18,000 out-of-home delivery points.

The acquisition enables InPost to offer a unique and comprehensive service, combining next-day home delivery with a vast out-of-home network under one brand. It also diversifies InPost’s business both geographically and by customer segment, with the UK now contributing around 30% of the Group’s total revenue. From a financial standpoint, the deal is seen as a strategically sound investment, significantly boosting InPost’s presence and long-term growth in the UK market.

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DSV Acquires DB Schenker Amid Industry Consolidation

Posted on by David Priestman

In a major industry shake-up, DSV has acquired DB Schenker, positioning itself as a major player in global logistics. This acquisition enhances DSV’s capabilities in European land transport and rail freight, aligning with the industry’s shift towards multimodal solutions and sustainability. The deal reflects a trend of consolidation, with logistics companies like CMA CGM and Kuehne+Nagel expanding their operations. As DSV integrates DB Schenker, it will face challenges in streamlining operations, but the combined entity will offer more competitive, efficient supply chain solutions globally.

In a major industry shake-up, DSV has acquired DB Schenker for a transaction valued at EUR 14.3 billion at enterprise value, positioning itself as a leading global logistics provider. This acquisition significantly enhances DSV’s capabilities, particularly in European land transport and rail freight, aligning with the industry’s shift towards multimodal solutions and sustainability. The combined entity is projected to have pro forma revenue of EUR 39.3 billion (based on 2023 figures) and a workforce of approximately 147,000 employees across more than 90 countries. This deal reflects a trend of consolidation, as logistics giants like CMA CGM and Kuehne+Nagel expand their global operations. As DSV integrates DB Schenker, it faces operational challenges, but the merged company is poised to offer more competitive and efficient supply chain solutions globally.

Strategic Importance

This acquisition strengthens DSV’s market position by adding DB Schenker’s extensive European network to its global operations. DB Schenker is a leader in land and rail transport, making DSV more competitive in Europe and enhancing its multimodal offerings at a time when sustainability and efficient transport are in high demand. With the logistics industry focusing more on green logistics, DSV can leverage DB Schenker’s rail freight expertise to offer environmentally friendly solutions across Europe. According to Jens H. Lund, Group CEO, DSV, the acquisition is a “transformative event” that will create a “world-leading transport and logistics powerhouse” and improve competitiveness across DSV’s divisions—Air & Sea, Road, and Solutions.

Competitive Landscape

The acquisition highlights the growing consolidation in logistics as major players like DSV seek to scale their operations. The deal follows similar moves by competitors such as CMA CGM’s acquisition of Bolloré Logistics and Kuehne+Nagel’s digital expansions. With customers increasingly demanding integrated, end-to-end supply chain services, DSV’s expanded footprint and service capabilities position it well to compete with rivals like DHL and Kuehne+Nagel in offering seamless logistics solutions across regions and transport modes.

Challenges and Integration

Despite the opportunities, DSV faces significant integration challenges, particularly with DB Schenker’s vast operations. Successfully merging technology, workforce, and operational standards will be key to realizing the full benefits of the acquisition. However, DSV has demonstrated its ability to handle such integrations, as seen with the Panalpina merger in 2019. The company is expected to focus on optimizing its services, reducing operational costs, and enhancing efficiency to improve competitiveness in an increasingly digital logistics environment.

Future Outlook

This acquisition will likely accelerate consolidation in the logistics industry as companies seek to expand their reach and enhance service offerings. The global logistics market is increasingly focusing on sustainability, operational efficiency, and innovation. DSV’s acquisition of DB Schenker positions the company to lead in this evolving landscape, offering comprehensive and sustainable supply chain solutions. As DSV integrates DB Schenker’s resources and expertise, it will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global logistics, driving higher standards of service and operational efficiency.

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Logistics Provider Merges with eCommerce Arm

Posted on by Keith McKinley

DG International has announced that it will merge with its eCommerce specialist arm, Pro Carrier, from this month. DG International will cease to operate under its separate brand and will move forward under the Pro Carrier name.

The integration of the two brands will streamline operations, bringing DG International’s expertise in global transportation options across land, sea and air and Pro Carrier’s eCommerce offering under one umbrella.

The company’s innovative Horizon platform, an easy-to-navigate, user-friendly system that shows the status of a customer’s shipment every step of the way, was instrumental in the organisation’s decision to merge under the Pro Carrier brand. The rebrand will allow customers to view the exact status of their deliveries in real-time across both freight and parcel shipments, under one login.

Ryan Lucas, CEO of Pro Carrier, said: “The synergy between the two brands made it clear that merging should be the next step in our growth plan. We are excited about the opportunities ahead as we operate under the Pro Carrier name, expanding its services with our reliable and competitive international freight offering. The fantastic growth we have experienced across both brands in 2023 has led to a renewed vigour to offer a more streamlined service to our customers, so we can maintain our reputation for excellence.”

During the rebrand, existing contracts, services, and relationships with the company will continue unaffected, the only key difference for DG International customers and suppliers being the brand name being phased out to operate under Pro Carrier.

Pro Carrier’s easy-to-navigate website will be refreshed with an updated look and feel, to include DG International’s offering. The current website for DG International will become inactive, with all content and mechanisms transferred. Likewise, the current social media channels for DG International will no longer be updated, with all future news about the company’s freight offering coming from Pro Carrier’s LinkedIn channel.

Logistics Firms Merge into New Company

Posted on by Keith McKinley

J. & J. Denholm Limited (the Denholm Group) is excited to announce that Denholm Global Logistics and Good Logistics, two renowned logistics leaders, have merged to form Denholm Good Logistics. The creation of this merger marks the pinnacle of the integration of Good Logistics and Denholm Global Logistics (which incorporates Hamilton Shipping Container Services).

Family-owned diversified business, J. & J. Denholm Limited (the Denholm Group), announced the acquisition of freight forwarding and logistics company, John Good Logistics Limited, in 2021. Today’s announcement on the coming together of these two renowned companies reflects the Denholm Group’s commitment to innovation, customer-centric solutions, and a forward-thinking approach to delivering tailored solutions that empower businesses to thrive in an ever-evolving global market.

Combining Denholm Global Logistics and Good Logistics into a single, stronger entity, Denholm Good Logistics, enables customers and employees to benefit from the enhanced size and scale whilst retaining shared family values.

Denholm Good Logistics will continue to leverage its expertise, knowledge, and digital innovation to deliver logistics solutions that
streamline global supply chains, enhance operational efficiencies, promote eco-friendly practices, reduce carbon footprints, and provide a
seamless experience for customers of all sizes across a diverse range of industries.

Key benefits

* Global Presence – A more robust global presence, ensuring a wider reach. Customers can expect seamless global solutions that optimise
transit times and freight costs
* Technical Innovation – Continued investment in technology, leveraging automation, AI, and data analytics to streamline operations,
optimise routes and provide real-time visibility of the movement of goods
* Expanded Service Offerings – Customers will benefit from an expanded portfolio of services
* Sustainability – A strong commitment to environmental sustainability, adopting practices to help customers choose greener options, track and report their emissions, and reduce their carbon footprint

Company Leadership

Denholm Good Logistics will be led by an exceptional leadership team, combining industry expertise and visionary leadership from both
organisations. This dynamic team will drive the company’s vision, ensuring continued innovation, growth, and customer satisfaction.

Embracing Change

Speaking about the merger, Alan Platt (pictured), Divisional Managing Director of Denholm Good Logistics, stated, “This merger to create Denholm Good Logistics represents the convergence of two organisations that share a common vision for the future of logistics. By uniting our strengths, we are confident in our ability to continue providing customers with forward-thinking tailored supply chain management solutions and exceptional customer service.”

Ben MacLehose, CEO of the Denholm Group, expressed similar sentiments, “The acquisition of Good Logistics by the Denholm Group was enabled because of our shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer focus. Merging these two global freight forwarding businesses to create Denholm Good Logistics is exciting for all stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and our colleagues. I am extremely pleased with the transformation and the combined, modern, dynamic brand, which represents the two separate businesses coming together and becoming stronger as a result.”

The new Denholm Good Logistics brand was revealed to customers on 2nd January 2024.

Setlog and Rhenus Join Forces

Posted on by David Priestman

The software vendor Setlog has been part of the Rhenus Group since October 24th, 2023. Setlog was founded in 2001 by Guido Brackelsberg, Ralf Duester and Jakob Gielen and has since developed into one of the world’s leading software specialists for end-to-end supply chain management solutions.

The digitalization of the supply chain by Setlog is characterized by transparency, consistent data communication without media breaks and the replacement of manual processes. With the Setlog system OSCA, customers can network collaboratively with all partners along their supply chain. Integration via a central platform enables comprehensive communication and data exchange. Holistic control of the end-to-end supply chain is therefore guaranteed at anytime and anywhere.

Both companies already know each other through their collaboration within the non-profit organization Open Logistics Foundation. Setlog and Rhenus see the merger as an opportunity to further expand Setlog’s software solutions, market them worldwide and thus make them accessible to even more industries and customers. “We have always seen ourselves as a reliable partner in exploiting the full potential of our customers’ supply chain.

The merger with Rhenus immediately offers us another opportunity to respond to the constantly changing and increasingly complex requirements in logistics. The affinity of both companies and our complementary skills will therefore promote our growth in the long term,” says Ralf Duester, co-founder and board member of Setlog. He further describes the partnership as a strategic investment through which new solutions for customers can be developed and implemented together. There will be no change in day-to-day business for employees and customers, who primarily come from the Textile & Apparel and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods sectors. The software developer continues to operate independently under its own logo and with its own business. The neutrality of the company is fully maintained and is a prerequisite for further expansion of the business.

Through the partnership, both companies benefit from each other’s expertise. “As Rhenus, we can already look back on a long-standing and excellent partnership with Setlog. With Setlog, we as Rhenus add a missing component to our offering for our customers. The interlinking, complete transparency and control of the supply chain has become increasingly important in recent years, not least due to more volatile markets. We will continue to expand this together with Setlog. We rely on the neutrality of Setlog. This enables us to further develop the software in a flexible and agile manner, as well as to create additional added value for customer-oriented solutions,” says Tobias Koenig, Chief Commercial Officer at Rhenus. “By combining our know-how as a logistics service provider with Setlog’s expertise in state-of-the-art software technology, we can serve our customer bases even better, expand our range and offer new products.”

Setlog Holding is a provider of Supply Chain Management (SCM) solutions. The central product is the cloud-based software OSCA with the solutions Procurement, SRM, Global Logistics, CSR and Quality Control. OSCA, which stands for “Online Supply Chain Accelerator”, is used by more than 150 brands in the apparel, electronics, food, consumer goods and hardware sectors. With the help of OSCA, companies connect their supply chain partners, suppliers and service providers to optimally coordinate their supply chain and efficiently manage supply chains.
Setlog GmbH is a wholly owned subsidiary of Setlog Holding AG. The company was founded in 2001 and is today one of the leading providers of SCM software with over 40,000 users in 92 countries. The software house employs 60 people at its locations in Bochum (headquarters), Cologne and New York.

Rockwell Completes Acquisition of Clearpath Robotics

Posted on by David Priestman

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), one of the world’s largest companies dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, has announced it completed its acquisition of Ontario, Canada-based Clearpath Robotics Inc., a leader in autonomous robotics, including autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for industrial applications.

The acquisition includes Clearpath Robotics’ namesake research division, a leader in developing autonomous technology for the innovation market, and the industrial division OTTO Motors, which provides AMRs, the next frontier in industrial automation and transformation. Both divisions report to Rockwell’s Intelligent Devices operating segment.

“We are delighted to welcome the Clearpath Robotics and OTTO Motors teams to Rockwell,” said Blake Moret, Chairman and CEO, Rockwell Automation. “This acquisition marks a turning point for our customers around the world. Rockwell is simplifying and transforming the difficult yet critical function of material handling throughout the manufacturing plant with an end-to-end production logistics solution. Production logistics is key to optimizing operations across an entire facility and bringing the Connected Enterprise to life.”

OTTO Motors will be featured at Rockwell’s Automation Fair, the world’s premier industrial automation and digital transformation event, Nov. 6-9 in Boston, where customers will see firsthand the significant impact that AMRs will have on productivity and safety across operations.

According to Interact Analysis, the market for AMRs in manufacturing is expected to grow about 30% per year over the next five years, with an estimated market size of $6.2 billion by 2027. This acquisition is expected to contribute a percentage point to Rockwell’s fiscal year 2024 revenue growth.

“Not only do AMRs connect islands of automation; they are often one of the final major elements that help manufacturers achieve autonomous production logistics, enabling significant value creation for the manufacturer and their customers,” said Amar Mehta, EY Americas Strategy and Transactions Advanced Manufacturing Leader. “Rockwell is a leader in the key hardware, software, and services that are needed to integrate AMRs into a manufacturing plant. With this acquisition, Rockwell enhances its ability to take manufacturers on a full end-to-end digital transformation for their production environments.”

Ferag Acquires dereOida

Posted on by David Priestman

In a strategic move, Ferag AG and dereOida have announced their merger, combining their expertise and innovations to create a comprehensive, single solution for all intralogistics requirements.

Ferag AG, a renowned family-owned Swiss company with over 65 years of experience as a global market leader in material flow systems, and dereOida, an Australian pioneer in warehouse automation software with their revolutionary doWarehouse system, are uniting their strengths to offer an unparalleled intralogistics solution to businesses across various industries.

dereOida’s flagship product, doWarehouse, presents a holistic single view across the warehouse. With the freedom to select any automated system, customers can seamlessly integrate their chosen hardware into doWarehouse, all while benefiting from dereOida’s outstanding support services. The doWarehouse system enables the user to streamline processes, enhance productivity, reduce costs and allows for continuous improvement through insightful analytics. Notably, it provides a single source of truth, revolutionises sortation management, replaces cumbersome spreadsheets, and optimises warehouse space utilisation.

Ferag AG’s legacy as a family-owned Swiss company specialising in intralogistics solutions and the development, design and distribution of material flow systems is built upon innovation, quality, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. With a global presence across 18 countries and a team of over 600 dedicated professionals, Ferag has consistently delivered cutting-edge sorting, conveying, buffering and Order Fulfilment Solutions to a diverse range of industries.

The merger of these two industry innovators presents a transformative offering for businesses seeking to optimise their warehouse operations. By combining Ferag’s unparalleled expertise in material flow systems and design with dereOida’s state-of-the-art software solutions, customers can expect an end-to-end solution that addresses every aspect of intralogistics with unprecedented quality, reliability, and support.

Key Benefits of the Merger:
Comprehensive Intralogistics Solutions: Customers now have access to a complete suite of intralogistics solutions that cover the entire spectrum of warehouse automation and management.
Synergy of Expertise: The merger brings together Ferag’s decades of experience in equipment intralogistics with dereOida’s cutting-edge automation software, resulting in a holistic and advanced hardware and software intralogistics solution.
Optimised Productivity: Businesses can leverage the power of doWarehouse’s real-time insights and analytics to drive continuous improvements and optimise their operations.
Simplified Support: dereOida’s single point of contact for hardware and software support ensures seamless assistance and quick issue resolution for enhanced customer satisfaction.

Tommaso Ramundo, CEO Ferag AG, commented:
“We are thrilled to announce our merger with dereOida, a strategic move that not only strengthens our position in the market but also propels us forward in achieving our long-term goals. This partnership is a pivotal part of our goal to attain Ferag Excellence 2025, as we relentlessly pursue the realignment of our global sales strategy to effectively meet the changing needs of our customers. By combining the strengths of Ferag and dereOida, we are poised to deliver an even more comprehensive suite of solutions to our valued customers, reaffirming our commitment to excellence and quality in every aspect of our business.”

Karl Friesenbichler, CEO dereOida, commented:
“I am very excited to announce our merger with Ferag. As we embark on this journey together, our focus remains steadfast on delivering unmatched quality, unwavering customer service, and cutting-edge solutions. The synergy between our teams and the complementary nature of our offerings create a powerful force that will undoubtedly shape the future of our industry. Our customers have always been at the heart of what we do, and this merger only strengthens our ability to provide them with the best. We are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition, maintaining the highest standards, and upholding the trust you have placed in us.”

Both CEOs commented:
“The combined expertise and resources of Ferag and dereOida enable us to explore new horizons and drive innovation at every turn. Not only can we unite our wealth of expertise and resources, but we can also nurture synergies by sharing knowledge and technology, thus leveraging the finest aspects of both entities. Our existing networks provide newfound access to untapped markets, driving growth and expansion. The amalgamation stimulates innovation as we synergise our creative capabilities and diverse skill sets. With this merger, we are confident that our overall competitiveness will be strengthened, enabling us to achieve remarkable results and elevate the level of value we offer to our customers, partners, and stakeholders.”

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