Maersk acquires logistics company B2C Europe to expand e-commerce logistics presence

If you follow the logistics industry, you must be familiar with Maersk. Founded in 1904, Maersk is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. Maersk Line, a subsidiary of the group, is the world's largest container shipping company with a global service network.

Recently, the company announced the acquisition of Dutch logistics company B2C Europe for $86 million.

B2C Europe provides specialized B2C parcel services in Europe, including international parcel and return services, outsourced fulfillment activities and customs clearance, with a focus on cross-border delivery. With the development of e-commerce in the past two years, the market demand for various logistics has grown rapidly, and B2C Europe has also ushered in a wave of development.

In order to meet the growing needs of customers, B2C Europe is also looking for strategic partners, which coincides with Maersk.

The company also said: “For us at B2C Europe, it makes sense to work with a company as large as Maersk, both from the perspective of economies of scale and the benefits it brings to our customers. We can also play a key role in Maersk’s integrated logistics, leveraging our strengths to continuously improve the flexibility of the B2C supply chain.”

For Maersk, as customers’ demand for omni-channel logistics and e-commerce solutions increases, this acquisition means it can introduce more integrated logistics services, be able to track all packages through one interface, and provide convenient last-mile delivery for customers across Europe.

B2C Europe has been operating in Western Europe, laying a good foundation for future regional expansion. Maersk also believes that the combination of the two companies can better realize their respective ambitions in the field of e-commerce. After the formal completion of the acquisition of B2C, it means that Maersk is involved in everything from containers at the port to products delivered to customers, and has taken a big step forward in e-commerce logistics.

Although the transaction agreement between the two parties has been signed, it still needs to be approved by local regulatory authorities. It is expected that the strategic partnership will be formally reached later this year. Before that, Maersk and B2C Europe will remain two independent companies and will carry out their respective businesses as usual.

Maersk

B2C Europe

Cross-border logistics