dhl

DHL’s e-commerce wing has been taken under Evri’s ownership, while DHL took a minority stake in Evri

The Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) has cleared a proposed merger between Evri and DHL, creating a combined group capable of delivering more than a billion parcels each year.

Under the deal, Evri acquired DHL’s UK e-commerce arm, while DHL has taken a minority stake in Evri.

The CMA, which kicked off a probe in June, found that while the postal market is relatively concentrated, Evri and DHL were not “particularly close” competitors, and most customers and competitors expressed either positive or neutral views about the merger.

“This is a pivotal moment and the biggest milestone in our 50 years, as we create a premier parcel delivery business of significant scale,” said Evri CEO Martijn de Lange.

“This new combined Evri Group brings exciting benefits for consumers, businesses and suppliers. Evri’s strong brand and flexible, cost-effective and unique courier proposition will be enhanced with the addition of DHL eCommerce’s UK network.”

The deal will create one of the largest parcel and mailing couriers in the country, with a workforce of over 30,000 couriers and van drivers, 12,000 other staff, and a fleet of 8,000 vehicles.

The post-merger Evri will also gain access to DHL eCommerce’s cross-border shipping expertise and nearly 150,000 out-of-home parcel access points worldwide.

“Through access to DHL’s well-recognised global network, the new Evri Group will offer an enhanced international capability, and we will enter the UK mail space for the first time ever to operate business mail services,” de Lange said.

“This deal will accelerate our growth strategy and cements our position as a disruptor within the parcel delivery sector.”

Evri, previously known as Hermes, was acquired late last year by US private equity firm Apollo for £2.7bn, and immediately announced plans for significant expansion, with 9,000 planned new hires and a goal to deliver four million parcels each day.

Topics