In a major development for the UK logistics and eCommerce sectors, DHL eCommerce UK is merging with Evri, forming a parcel delivery powerhouse poised to deliver over 1 billion parcels and 1 billion business letters annually. The strategic transaction will see DHL Group acquire a significant minority stake in the newly combined entity, which aims to offer consumers and businesses broader service options, greater flexibility, and cost-effective delivery solutions.
A Strategic Alliance to Transform UK Logistics
Merger Combines Scale and Specialization
Evri, one of the UK’s largest parcel delivery companies, and DHL eCommerce UK, the logistics division of global powerhouse DHL Group, are merging to consolidate their capabilities into a one-stop domestic and international delivery solution. The partnership brings together Evri’s flexible courier services and DHL’s premium van network under a single, expanded operation.
Martijn de Lange, CEO of Evri, will lead the merged business in the UK, while Stu Hill, CEO of DHL eCommerce UK, will take on the role of Managing Director of the premium Evri network. The transaction is backed by Apollo-managed funds, which continue to hold a majority stake in Evri.
Read Also: Global Trade Tensions Escalate as US Tariff Hike Sparks Market Turmoil and Retaliation
Enhanced Services and Expanded Network Reach
Evri Premium and International Logistics Power
DHL eCommerce UK will now operate as Evri Premium, a separate high-security network tailored for high-value and time-sensitive deliveries. This offering will complement Evri’s core services, enabling businesses and consumers to benefit from faster, secure, and more reliable parcel options.
Additionally, the new group will gain enhanced global reach by leveraging DHL’s cross-border shipping expertise and a global out-of-home network of nearly 150,000 access points. This includes improved delivery times across Europe, the U.S., and Asia, particularly India.
Entering the Business Letter Market
For the first time, Evri will enter the UK’s business letter delivery sector. Through the inclusion of DHL’s UK Mail division, the combined group will provide a best-in-class mail service, catering to businesses looking to send lightweight items efficiently.
Strengthening the UK’s Out-of-Home Delivery Ecosystem
With the integration of both companies’ infrastructures, the merged entity will operate the largest out-of-home delivery and collection network in the UK, featuring 15,000 parcel shop and locker locations. This enhancement will offer unmatched convenience for consumers and retailers alike, especially in the expanding click-and-collect market.
Employment and Infrastructure Boost
The new group will comprise:
- Over 30,000 couriers and van drivers
- 12,000 employees
- A fleet of 8,000 vehicles
Together, they will support the delivery of over 2 billion items annually across parcels and business letters — marking the largest operation of its kind in the UK.
Strategic Investment and Market Expansion
DHL Group’s minority stake in Evri signals a deeper commitment to expanding eCommerce capabilities across the UK and Europe. The merger also enables further penetration into SME markets and Tier 1 global shipping networks, offering a robust end-to-end logistics solution.
Alex van Hoek, Chairman of Evri and partner at Apollo, emphasized the significance of the merger, calling it a “tremendous milestone” that leverages technology, innovation, and a strengthened global footprint to elevate customer experience and service reliability.
Conclusion
This merger between DHL eCommerce UK and Evri sets the stage for a new era in UK parcel logistics. By combining local strength with international reach, and cost-effective services with premium delivery options, the joint entity is poised to redefine parcel and mail delivery for both consumers and businesses — at home and abroad. Pending regulatory approval, the deal is expected to reshape the UK logistics market in 2025 and beyond.
This article is originally published on businesscloud
