Evri and DHL eCommerce UK Merge in Landmark Delivery Deal

Evri, one of the UK's largest parcel delivery companies, and DHL eCommerce, the e-commerce logistics division of DHL Group, have announced a strategic deal that merges DHL eCommerce UK into Evri. 

Upon completion, the merged business will be capable of handling over 1 billion parcels and another 1 billion business letters each year, bringing benefits to both consumers and business users. 

DHL Group will take a significant minority stake in Evri as part of the agreement.

The new partnership combines Evri’s low-cost, flexible courier network with DHL eCommerce’s premium van delivery network. 

Rebranded as Evri Premium – a network of DHL eCommerce – the new operation will handle time-sensitive deliveries, offering stronger security for high-value and larger parcels across both business-to-business and business-to-consumer markets.

Martijn de Lange, Chief Executive of Evri, says: “We are excited that DHL eCommerce UK will merge with Evri to bring together two highly complementary UK businesses – committed to innovation and offering customers and clients the best possible service. 

“By combining Evri's scale, innovation and DHL eCommerce's best-in-class premium van network, we are creating the pre-eminent parcel delivery group in the UK.”

Expanded services and international growth

The merger will also boost Evri’s international services. DHL eCommerce brings global capability in cross-border parcel delivery and a network of nearly 150,000 out-of-home access points worldwide. 

This includes faster shipping times and access to key markets in Europe, the US and Asia, including India.

As a result of the deal, Evri will enter the UK business letter market for the first time – the merger includes DHL’s UK Mail operation, which will now be part of the combined business.

This move offers e-commerce companies more mailing choices, particularly for sending lighter items. The combined operation will also run the UK’s largest parcel delivery and collection network, with 15,000 shops and lockers offering out-of-home access for customers.

“DHL eCommerce and Evri both stand for top service quality, reliability, and sustainability, which makes this partnership a great fit for our customers. Together, we’ll be able to offer more efficient, far-reaching, and innovative solutions to keep up with the fast-paced e-commerce market,” says Pablo Ciano, Chief Executive of DHL eCommerce.

 “By joining forces in the UK, we’re creating a one-stop shop for all our customers’ parcel needs here and giving them better delivery options from around the world.”

Martijn adds: “Over the last decade Evri has grown ten-fold in size and this transaction will further expand our access into the European and global e-commerce markets. Since Apollo-managed funds came on board as our owners, they have backed our intent to drive forward and grow to become the UK's premier parcel delivery business.”

Expanding portfolio and operations

The newly formed group will serve both small and large retailers, businesses and consumers with a suite of services that includes:

• Next-day and standard courier services for small and large parcels.
• A separate, dedicated premium delivery network for secure and fast shipments.
• A service for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) covering mail, secure and international deliveries.
• The UK’s largest out-of-home access network of 15,000 access points.
• Cross-border shipping powered by DHL eCommerce’s infrastructure and expertise. 
• Mail delivery for UK businesses through the retained UK Mail brand

On completion, the new group will operate with over 30,000 couriers and van drivers, supported by 12,000 employees and a fleet of 8,000 vehicles.

Alex van Hoek, Chair of Evri and Partner at Apollo, says: “This is a tremendous milestone in Evri's journey, and we are delighted to welcome a global leader like DHL as a strategic partner and shareholder. By embracing technology and innovation, Evri has grown from strength to strength in a dynamic e-commerce market.”

 “With DHL's complementary expertise and strong network, the business is well positioned to further improve its reliable services and the customer experience.”

Evri remains majority owned by funds managed by Apollo. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and other standard closing conditions. DHL Express, DHL Supply Chain and DHL Global Forwarding operations in the UK are not affected by this transaction.

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