Duvenbeck expands into Benelux through Schotpoort Logistics takeover

Duvenbeck said the acquisition of the Eerbeek, Netherlands-headquartered company means that Duvenbeck is gaining access to a central logistics region, with its proximity to the seaports of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Antwerp.

Schotpoort specialises in transport, warehouse, contract and project logistics. The firm manages more than 70,000 sq.m of warehouse space throughout the Netherlands, ranging from Hoogezand near Groningen in the north, to Best near Eindhoven in the south. The company has a fleet of 120 vehicles and also has a branch in Lithuania.

Duvenbeck said the strategic move is continuing its internationalisation strategy and is expanding its core competencies and customer segments. The company now has 40 locations across 11 countries, and a fleet of 1,720 trucks. The logistics firm has been increasing its operations and improving its sustainability recently, with Volkswagen Group Logistics and Duvenbeck agreeing to implement electric trucks in 2023. The logistics company signed a letter of intent last year to buy 120 e-trucks from VW Group truckmaker MAN through 2026, with a proportion planned to serve Group Logistics. Simon Motter, managing director, WV Group Logistics told Automotive Logistics that, through the partnership, his team will learn more about the length of routes, loading and conditions in which the e-trucks will perform best, as well as study the need for charging infrastructure at plants.

Read the full interview with VW Group Logistics’ Simon Motter here

“By acquiring Schotpoort Logistics, we’re gaining access to a region that plays a central role in the implementation of our growth strategy,” said Hakan Bicil, CEO, Duvenbeck. “Thanks to its proximity to the seaports of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Antwerp, Schotpoort Logistics will enable us to expand our import and export logistics activities and tap into additional customer sectors in the Far East and Europe.”

Fred Schotpoort, managing director, Schotpoort Logistics said: “By coming under the Duvenbeck umbrella, we can continue developing our logistics solutions and at the same time benefit from the strong market position of a logistics company that is active throughout Europe. An additional advantage for both companies is that our service portfolio in the Netherlands fits perfectly into Duvenbeck’s growth strategy.”

The acquisition agreement was signed on 19 February and is subject to approval by cartel authorities. All 180 employees at Schotpoort will join Duvenbeck as a result of the takeover.