Berlin-based digital road freight forwarder sennder has made significant strides in the logistics industry with the acquisition of C.H. Robinson’s European Surface Transportation (EST) operations. This strategic move is expected to enhance sennder’s service offerings and solidify its position in the European market. The acquisition aligns with sennder’s mission to create a more efficient and sustainable road freight network across Europe.
Earlier, sennder raised $80M during its Series D funding round, marking its entry into the unicorn club. The newly announced acquisition will integrate EST’s substantial network of shippers and carriers into sennder’s operations, further boosting its market presence. This development contrasts with previous reports where sennder focused primarily on organic growth and technology platform enhancements rather than large-scale acquisitions.
The deal, subject to corporate structuring and regulatory approvals, is set to close by the end of Q4 2024. Once finalized, the combined entity will become one of Europe’s largest Full Truck Load (FTL) providers. This merger will encompass over 6,500 shippers and more than 15,000 carriers, significantly expanding sennder’s network and operational capabilities.
The Acquisition’s Impact
The transaction is expected to generate a combined revenue of €1.4B with a workforce of 1,700 employees. sennder aims to leverage its proprietary technology platform, sennOS, to streamline operations and enhance service efficiency for EST’s customers. This acquisition will enable shippers to digitally manage their transports, providing complete control and visibility over trucking operations.
The integration will also benefit carriers by increasing utilization rates, reducing empty kilometers, and offering faster payments. The combined business will provide an expanded range of freight opportunities and improve network density and data capabilities, making it a robust player in the European logistics sector.
sennder’s Strategic Vision
David Nothacker, CEO of sennder, emphasized that this acquisition is crucial for advancing sennder’s roadmap, as it brings the necessary scale and volume density to unlock the full potential of sennOS. The combined entity will accelerate sennder’s European expansion and enhance its digital capabilities, benefiting carriers, shippers, and the broader industry.
C.H. Robinson, a global logistics giant managing $22B in freight annually, views this move as a strategic decision to focus on its core strengths. David Bozeman, President and CEO of C.H. Robinson, expressed confidence in sennder’s ability to sustain the EST business and provide growth opportunities for its team. This acquisition will allow both companies to refine their focus and deliver enhanced value to their respective customers.
By combining resources, expertise, and advanced technology, sennder and C.H. Robinson are set to offer unparalleled logistics solutions. The acquisition presents a significant opportunity to redefine road freight logistics in Europe, making it more efficient, transparent, and sustainable. This strategic partnership not only expands sennder’s market presence but also fosters innovation and operational excellence in the logistics sector.
