By Eva Richardson | The Logistic News
April 16, 2025
In a transformative move that redefines the global logistics hierarchy, Denmark-based DSV has cleared all regulatory hurdles for its €14.3 billion ($16.2 billion) acquisition of German freight forwarding giant DB Schenker. The merger—among the largest in logistics history—positions DSV as the world’s largest freight forwarder by revenue, overtaking DHL Global Forwarding and Kuehne+Nagel.
Announced last year and subject to intense scrutiny in both the EU and North America, the deal received final approval this week from antitrust authorities, who cited market stability and service diversification as core justifications for clearance.
“This is more than a scale play—it’s a platform for global integration and network resilience,” said Jens Bjørn Andersen, Group CEO of DSV.
A Merger Years in the Making
DSV has long pursued growth through acquisition, with previous high-profile deals including UTi Worldwide (2016), Panalpina (2019), and Agility GIL (2021). The Schenker deal, however, marks a quantum leap—adding over 76,000 employees, hundreds of logistics centers, and deep penetration into contract logistics, European rail freight, and military logistics segments.
Combined, the new entity will boast:
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Annual revenues exceeding $45 billion
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A presence in over 130 countries
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Control of one of the most extensive intermodal networks in Europe
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Greater leverage in ocean, air, and last-mile freight procurement
Industry observers note that the combined operation is well-positioned to benefit from reshoring trends, pan-European infrastructure spending, and increased demand for resilient multi-modal freight systems.
Cultural and Strategic Alignment
Despite concerns about overlapping operations, DSV and Schenker are seen as culturally complementary. DSV is known for its lean, decentralized management model, while Schenker brings deep vertical expertise in automotive, defense, and high-value goods.
The integration will unfold in phases, beginning with IT systems, warehouse management alignment, and shared procurement synergies. DSV has also committed to maintaining Schenker’s brand presence in selected key markets for at least two years during the transitional period.
“We aim to integrate with precision, not disruption,” Andersen said in a joint statement with Schenker’s leadership.
Challenges Ahead
While investors have largely welcomed the deal, integration of two global giants will be complex. Labor unions in Germany have already requested safeguards around jobs and benefits. Additionally, DSV must manage compliance across a broader regulatory footprint, with increased scrutiny around data privacy, sustainability, and cross-border carbon reporting.
Conclusion
The approval of the DSV-Schenker merger represents more than a consolidation—it signals a new competitive era in freight forwarding, one defined by scale, speed, and strategic control. With DSV now at the helm of the world’s largest logistics engine, the rest of the industry will be watching—closely and competitively.
Eva Richardson is a senior correspondent at The Logistic News, where she covers mergers, strategic investments, and business leadership across the global logistics sector.
