DSV Panalpina officially takes over GIL business from Agility

All conditions and prerequisites for the acquisition of the Global Integrated Logistics (GIL) business from Agility have been met, and DSV Panalpina A/S (DSV) is now formally taking over GIL from Agility, which is based in Kuwait. With the acquisition of GIL, DSV becomes one of the three leading companies in the transport and logistics sector worldwide and aims to further expand the business from this strong position.

(Hedehusene) The expected completion of the acquisition of GIL today is an important milestone in DSV’s growth strategy. In the transport and logistics industry, size is crucial, and with the acquisition, DSV solidifies its position as one of the largest transport and logistics companies in the world.

“I am very pleased to welcome our new colleagues from GIL on this important day. There are many similarities when you look at our two companies, both in terms of business models and services, and not least, in our shared focus on local empowerment and customer service. DSV and GIL fit together perfectly. We will now begin the integration and work together to grow the business and provide even greater benefits to our many customers, partners, and shareholders than we could do individually,” says Jens Bjørn Andersen, Group CEO, DSV.

Transaction value of DKK 30.2 billion

The enterprise value of the transaction amounts to approximately DKK 30.2 billion, and the equity value is around DKK 29.6 billion. The merger of DSV and GIL is expected to have a combined pro forma revenue of approximately DKK 160 billion (based on the last 12 months) and a combined workforce of 75,000 employees in more than 90 countries.

In exchange for 100 percent of GIL, Agility will receive DSV shares equivalent to about 8 percent of all DSV shares outstanding after the transaction. This makes Agility the second-largest DSV shareholder based on today’s shareholder register. DSV has agreed to appoint a representative from Agility to the DSV Board of Directors after the transaction is completed.

Enhanced service offerings across all three business areas

GIL generates annual revenue of DKK 29 billion (USD 4.6 billion), with air and sea freight making up the largest share. This company will be added to DSV’s existing global network. Additionally, the inclusion of GIL will expand DSV’s presence in both APAC and the Middle East. With a warehouse capacity of 1.4 million square meters, GIL will be a strong addition to DSV Solutions, while the land transport activities in Europe and the Middle East will strengthen the DSV Road network.

“By adding GIL’s network and capabilities to our existing network, we enhance our competitiveness across all three business areas: Air & Sea, Road, and Solutions. This brings commercial synergies and cross-selling opportunities and simultaneously offers our customers an even higher level of service and a one-stop shop for logistics needs,” says Jens Bjørn Andersen.

Growing the business together

The combined business of DSV and GIL aims to leverage the strengthened market position to continue growing through improved service offerings for customers, a market-leading IT infrastructure, and economies of scale.

DSV’s acquisition strategy has proven successful both in acquiring and integrating companies, most recently with Swiss Panalpina in 2019 and American UTi Worldwide in 2016.

The focus on scalability remains one of the key competitive advantages in the freight forwarding sector and offers significant operational and commercial benefits in a highly fragmented market.

Integration process can begin

The integration process of GIL can now begin. The two organizations will be merged in a country-specific process, meaning that for customers and employees in many countries, it will be business as usual for the time being until the country-specific merger process is initiated. As with previous acquisitions, DSV will also consider both organizational and individual aspects in this integration.

Despite the expected completion of the transaction today, regulatory approvals are still pending in a limited number of countries where the revenues individually and collectively are insignificant compared to the combined revenues after the transaction is completed.

Photo: © DSV