Hellmann expands German road network with Honold acquisition
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has reached an agreement to acquire the groupage operations of Honold International in Neu-Ulm, southern Germany, as part of its strategy to expand its domestic road transport network.
Under the agreement announced on 7 October, Hellmann will acquire the shares in Honold International GmbH & Co. KG, with the transaction scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027. The Neu-Ulm operation will subsequently become part of Hellmann’s nationwide road logistics network.
The acquisition will increase Hellmann’s locations within the German groupage network NG.network from 16 to 17. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed in the announcement.
Acquisition strengthens southern Germany operations
The Neu-Ulm facility is an established part of Honold’s groupage business and already participates in NG.network, where Hellmann and Honold have maintained a longstanding commercial relationship.
Approximately 150 employees work in the business being acquired, representing part of Honold Logistics and Real Estate Group’s workforce of around 1,400 people. Their existing employment relationships will continue unchanged under the agreed arrangements.
Hellmann intends to integrate the operation into its road network while maintaining relationships with existing customers, transport partners and suppliers. The acquisition is also expected to strengthen its connections between southern Germany and other European markets through NG.network’s domestic and international services.
“With Neu-Ulm, we are specifically strengthening our road network in southern Germany and further expanding our operational presence in an important economic region for us,” said Stefan Borggreve, Chief Operating Officer Road, Rail & CEP at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.
Borggreve described the acquisition as part of Hellmann’s Forward2030 strategy, which includes further development of its road transport activities.
Honold redirects investment towards core businesses
For Honold, the agreement forms part of a broader strategic realignment intended to concentrate financial and management resources on selected business areas.
The company plans to prioritise contract logistics, logistics real estate, defence-related activities and Night Star Express. According to Honold, the Neu-Ulm groupage operation has contributed positively to its business but does not provide the economic basis required for independent long-term expansion under the group’s current strategy.
The property housing the Neu-Ulm operation will remain in Honold’s portfolio, with Hellmann occupying the facility under a long-term lease agreement. Honold’s other transport and logistics operations in Neu-Ulm, together with its headquarters, will remain unaffected.
“The groupage business in Neu-Ulm is an established part of our Group. With Hellmann, we have found a long-standing partner that is both able and committed to developing this business area further within a large European road network,” said Heiner Matthias Honold, Managing Director of Honold Logistics and Real Estate Group.
The agreement will allow Hellmann to expand its operational presence in southern Germany while Honold retains its property interests and redirects investment towards its remaining businesses.
Both companies intend to maintain continuity at the Neu-Ulm location during the transition scheduled for January 2027.
