DHL eCommerce and Evri will continue with their merger plans following unconditional approval from the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) today (September 4).
According to the companies, the approval is key to concluding and completing the deal, which is expected to take place promptly following receipt of all regulatory approvals.
The merger will see DHL eCommerce UK rebranded as ‘Evri Premium – a network of DHL’ in 2026. However, it will remain a separate network that offers fast, time-sensitive deliveries with enhanced shipping security protection for high-value and large items.
With the addition of UK Mail, the combined group will bring together a team of over 30,000 couriers and van drivers, along with 12,000 colleagues and a fleet of 8,000 vehicles, all dedicated to delivering over one billion parcels and one billion letters annually.
Pablo Ciano, CEO of DHL eCommerce at DHL Group, said, “We are delighted that this strategic transaction has been officially approved by the UK Competition and Markets Authority. CMA clearance marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing the best service and innovative solutions in the UK parcel delivery market. Together, we want to reshape the landscape of logistics, offering our customers a seamless and secure experience and meeting their evolving needs in a fast-paced world.”
Flexible parcel services
The new Evri Group will include Evri’s core offering of a flexible courier network for low-weight and low-value parcels, along with a dedicated and secure premium van network for high-value items and B2B parcel services. It will leverage DHL eCommerce’s expertise in cross-border parcel shipping and its out-of-home network of more than 150,000 global access points.
Martijn De Lange, chief executive officer at Evri, commented, “This is a pivotal moment and the biggest milestone in our 50 years as we create a premier parcel delivery business of significant scale. I am excited to welcome our new DHL colleagues, who share our commitment to great customer service.
“This new combined Evri Group brings exciting benefits for consumers, businesses and suppliers. Evri’s strong brand and flexible, cost-effective and unique courier proposition will be enhanced with the addition of DHL eCommerce’s UK network. Through access to DHL’s well-recognized global network, the new Evri Group will offer an enhanced international capability, and we will enter the UK mail space for the first time ever to operate business mail services.
“This deal will accelerate our growth strategy and cements our position as a disrupter within the parcel delivery sector.”
In related news, in what it states is a UK industry first, Evri is carrying out deliveries by robotic dog in a two-week trial in the UK city of Leeds