DHL continues acquisition strategy, buying up Italy-based MIT Safetrans

DHL Supply Chain’s appetite for growth through acquisitions is continuing apace, with news today that the global logistics company is taking full ownership of Italian MIT Safetrans, which bills itself as, “the leading Italian logistics provider for highly specialized and high added-value niche markets.” Neither company disclosed the value of the deal.

The acquisition enhances DHL’s capacity in technological, high-tech, life sciences and healthcare industry logistics in Italy, adding 20 operating sites to its network. The purchase also increased staffing in Italy to more than 800 people at approximately 60 facilities.

In 2015, MIT Safetrans reported revenues of €48 million, and an EBITDA of €6 million. DHL Supply Chain posted a €176-million operating profit in fourth quarter of 2015 alone, for comparison.

Eddy De Vita, president and CEO of DHL Supply Chain Italy, explained that the acquisition, “allows us to extend our services, competences and targets.” He added that the deal allowed DHL to “transfer the know-how we have developed in highly specialized and innovative niches into all the other sectors… We are now aiming to assert ourselves as an operator with the largest portfolio of added-value services capable of satisfying the most demanding companies.”

DHL noted that the purchase agreement allows MIT to maintain its management independence and current distribution structure.

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