Geis Group Acquires All Shares of Gras Group

Effective January 1, 2025, the Geis Group will acquire all shares of the Gras Group, headquartered in Neuwied near Koblenz. The company also has locations in Polch, Mannheim, Frechen, and Kerpen. This acquisition strengthens the Geis Group’s presence in economically significant regions and further expands its role within the IDS network. Customers and employees of the Gras Group will benefit from new opportunities and perspectives.

(Bad Neustadt/Neuwied) The Gras Group employs around 470 people at five locations in Rhineland-Palatinate, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Baden-Württemberg. In 2023, the company generated approximately 125 million euros in revenue. Its portfolio includes transport concepts for procurement and distribution, B2B and private customer deliveries, as well as contract and warehouse logistics. Recently, Gras has specifically invested in the further development of its logistics services by building a state-of-the-art logistics center in Polch.

The decision of the owners of the Gras Group to sell their company to the Geis Group is based on a more than 35-year, trusting partnership within the IDS network, which is currently the largest groupage cooperation in Germany. Both owner-managed companies have been working closely and amicably together since the 1980s. Gras is active at the IDS locations in Neuwied, Polch, Mannheim, and Frechen, which will now become part of the Geis Group.

Continuity in New Hands

“With the sale to the Geis Group, we know that the future of the Gras Group and our employees is in the best hands,” says Madeleine Boos, managing partner of Gras, who is stepping back at her own request. Managing Director Horst Stockschläder is retiring after decades of dedicated service. Jens Köster will remain on board as managing director and will lead the company together with the Geis management team.

“We thank the Gras Group and especially Madeleine Boos and Horst Stockschläder for their trust,” emphasizes Jochen Geis, managing partner of the Geis Group. “As family-run companies, we stand for very similar values and beliefs. Therefore, we can offer the new employees of the Gras Group a reliable professional home.”

As part of the internationally active Geis Group, which employs 9,400 people at around 170 of its own branches in 14 countries, the Gras locations have optimal future prospects within a dynamically growing corporate group. All employees will be retained, and existing contracts with customers and business partners will remain unchanged. The usual contacts will still be available.

Growing Together

“The new locations ideally complement our network and strengthen our position to continue growing in economically strong regions of Germany,” explains Hans-Wolfgang Geis, managing partner of the Geis Group. “At the same time, we can take on additional shipment volumes and contract logistics projects that sensibly complement our portfolio.”

Gras customers will also benefit from this: Geis has one of the densest cross-border networks in Central and Eastern Europe and is consistently driving forward digitalization, automation, and process efficiency. “We focus on modern, sustainable, and efficient solutions along the entire supply chain – from road freight transport to contract logistics to air and sea freight,” says Hans-Wolfgang Geis.

“With our planned growth and the expanded IDS presence, we look very positively to the future,” adds Jochen Geis. “We look forward to the collaboration and warmly welcome all employees of the Gras Group!” The transaction is still subject to the approval of the antitrust authorities.

Photo: © Gras/Geis