In a significant development for the UK logistics sector, Evri and DHL eCommerce UK have announced a strategic merger that is set to reshape the parcel delivery landscape.
This union brings together two leading players to form a logistics powerhouse capable of handling over one billion parcels and business letters annually.
The merger promises enhanced service options, broader market reach, and greater efficiency—offering both consumers and businesses a more competitive and comprehensive delivery solution across the UK and internationally.
What Is The Evri And DHL Ecommerce UK Merger All About?
The merger between Evri and DHL eCommerce UK is a landmark development in the UK logistics and eCommerce delivery sector. The strategic transaction will bring together two of the most influential players in the parcel delivery industry.
This union is not merely a collaboration; it is a full integration designed to build a logistics giant capable of delivering over 1 billion parcels and 1 billion business letters annually.
DHL Group, through this agreement, will acquire a significant minority stake in Evri, establishing a firm partnership that blends operational strengths and logistical capabilities.
The move is designed to strengthen Evri’s position in the UK and extend its international footprint through DHL’s established global infrastructure.
Evri’s low-cost, flexible delivery model will be integrated with DHL eCommerce UK’s structured, premium van delivery system.
This dual-service approach ensures both mass-market and high-value parcel needs are effectively addressed under one corporate umbrella.
The merger will also result in the formation of a new brand offering called Evri Premium, representing the former DHL eCommerce UK’s secure and time-sensitive delivery services.
This premium service will operate as a distinct but integrated arm within the broader Evri ecosystem.
How Will The Merger Impact The UK Parcel Delivery Market?
The impact of this merger on the UK’s parcel delivery sector is expected to be profound. The logistics market in the UK has long been competitive, with companies like Royal Mail, Amazon Logistics, and DPD holding considerable market share. The newly formed entity challenges this dynamic by offering unparalleled capacity, range, and speed.
The move brings together:
- A total courier workforce of over 30,000 drivers and a support team of 12,000 colleagues
- A combined fleet of 8,000 vehicles
- An ability to deliver more than 2 billion items per year, including parcels and letters
This merger also marks Evri’s first formal entry into the UK business letter delivery market. DHL’s UK Mail service, which is part of the transaction, will remain active and integrated within the new group.
This service enables business clients to send high-volume, lightweight items reliably and economically.
The enhanced scale and combined resources will make the merged group a strong alternative to traditional postal providers and digital fulfilment platforms, particularly in areas of next-day delivery, secure shipping, and international logistics.
What Services Will The Newly Combined Group Offer?
The unified delivery group is set to offer an extensive and upgraded portfolio of services tailored to modern consumers and business clients.
These services are structured to address diverse shipping needs from local retailers to large international enterprises.
Key service offerings include:
- A cost-effective and scalable courier network capable of both standard and next-day deliveries
- A newly branded Evri Premium service offering enhanced shipping security for high-value, oversized, and time-sensitive B2B and B2C deliveries
- Entry into the business letter delivery market via UK Mail, ideal for light and regulatory communication
- Access to the UK’s largest out-of-home parcel delivery and collection network, with over 15,000 access points including shops and smart lockers
Additionally, the merger creates one of the most robust international delivery systems in the UK. Evri’s existing global network will be complemented by DHL’s cross-border infrastructure, which includes:
- Outbound and inbound parcel logistics for retailers and eCommerce platforms
- Access to DHL’s 150,000 global access points, spanning Europe, the US, and Asia
- Faster international shipping timelines due to integrated air and ground logistics systems
This enables businesses to manage both domestic and international shipments seamlessly through a single provider.
Service Offering Comparison: Before And After The Merger
| Service Category | Evri (Pre-Merger) | DHL eCommerce UK (Pre-Merger) | Merged Group Offering |
| Standard Parcel Delivery | Yes | Yes | Yes (Consolidated Network) |
| Premium Secure Delivery | No | Yes | Yes (Evri Premium) |
| Letter Delivery | No | Yes (UK Mail) | Yes (Integrated into Evri) |
| International Shipping | Limited | Extensive | Enhanced Global Integration |
| Out-of-Home Collection Points | Approx. 9,000 | Approx. 6,000 | 15,000+ Nationwide |
| Cross-Border Parcel Access | Limited | Strong | Global with 150,000+ Locations |
How Does This Merger Benefit Consumers And Businesses?
For consumers, the merger introduces a more reliable and comprehensive delivery experience.
They will benefit from increased delivery flexibility, broader coverage, and higher service reliability due to the merged logistics capacity.
Key benefits for consumers include:
- More collection and drop-off options through an expanded out-of-home network
- Greater choice between standard and premium delivery services
- Faster delivery times for both domestic and international parcels
Businesses, particularly eCommerce retailers and SMEs, stand to gain from:
- A single logistics provider that handles everything from lightweight letters to large, high-value parcels
- Improved fulfilment speed due to access to a wider network and faster transit times
- Access to international markets with ease through DHL’s global parcel network
The merged group also enhances operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness, allowing businesses to offer better delivery options to their customers without inflating shipping costs.
Moreover, this partnership supports environmental goals by optimising route planning and introducing more sustainable vehicle usage through the integrated fleet.
Enhanced Capabilities For Business Customers
| Feature | Benefit To Businesses |
| One-Stop Logistics Solution | Simplifies shipping operations across parcel types |
| International Network Expansion | Eases entry into overseas markets |
| Premium Secure Service | Ideal for high-value or sensitive items |
| Scalable Courier Network | Supports growth and seasonal demand surges |
| SME-Centric Features | Fulfilment, mail, lightweight delivery in one place |
Who Will Lead The Newly Formed Parcel Delivery Giant?
Leadership continuity is central to the strategy behind the merger. Martijn de Lange, the current CEO of Evri, will take on the role of leading the combined business in the UK.
His deep understanding of the domestic logistics market and proven growth leadership will be key to steering the group forward.
Stu Hill, formerly the CEO of DHL eCommerce UK, will serve as the Managing Director of Evri Premium, focusing specifically on the premium, secure van delivery services. His operational expertise will help scale and refine the new premium offerings.
The rest of the executive team from DHL eCommerce UK will also transition into roles within the new group.
This integrated leadership approach ensures continuity in service delivery, customer relationship management, and long-term strategic planning.
This leadership structure is designed to leverage the combined experience of both organisations while aligning with the long-term goals of efficiency, innovation, and expansion.
Why Is This Considered A Major Move In The Logistics Industry?
The merger between Evri and DHL eCommerce UK is widely regarded as one of the most significant developments in the logistics sector in recent years.
It reflects a strategic realignment of the industry, driven by the increasing demands of eCommerce, technological disruption, and the need for greater efficiency in last-mile delivery.
This transaction signals more than just a consolidation of two delivery networks—it marks a redefinition of service standards, operational capability, and customer expectations within the UK logistics ecosystem.
Consolidation Reflects Market Evolution
The UK parcel delivery market is highly fragmented, with a mix of traditional operators, technology-led platforms, and agile last-mile carriers.
This merger represents one of the largest consolidations in the space, indicating a shift towards building scale and integrated capability as key competitive advantages.
Rather than operating in parallel, Evri and DHL eCommerce UK are combining forces to pool infrastructure, data, and resources.
This approach aligns with a broader global trend where logistics companies seek to gain leverage through scale, synergies, and joint innovation. The result is a single entity with the operational heft to rival the biggest players in the market.
Addressing Evolving Customer Expectations
Consumer expectations for delivery have changed dramatically over the past decade. Speed, flexibility, real-time tracking, and secure delivery are now standard demands, particularly in eCommerce transactions.
By combining Evri’s flexible and affordable services with DHL’s premium logistics and international reach, the merged company is better positioned to meet these demands with a holistic offering.
Customers will no longer need to choose between affordability and quality—this merger aims to provide both in a unified experience.
It’s a shift toward convenience, reliability, and accessibility, which are becoming increasingly non-negotiable in the online shopping journey.
Enhanced Infrastructure And Operational Capabilities
One of the most compelling outcomes of the merger is the significant enhancement of infrastructure across the UK and beyond.
With access to over 15,000 out-of-home delivery and collection points in the UK alone, combined with DHL’s global logistics network of over 150,000 international access points, the new organisation instantly becomes one of the most powerful fulfilment platforms available to UK businesses.
The integration of vehicle fleets, warehousing assets, and route optimisation technologies allows for:
- Faster delivery turnaround
- Lower carbon emissions due to route efficiency
- Better scalability during peak seasons like Black Friday and Christmas
- Improved last-mile coverage, especially in rural and underserved areas
This scale also enables investment in technology, including AI-driven logistics systems, automated sorting, and smart locker systems.
Strengthening The UK’s Logistics Sector Competitiveness
With global eCommerce giants increasingly building their own in-house logistics arms, traditional courier services must innovate and consolidate to stay competitive.
The Evri-DHL eCommerce UK merger strengthens the UK’s logistics industry by creating a more capable homegrown solution that can cater to both domestic and international markets.
This move enhances Britain’s ability to compete globally in logistics technology, delivery standards, and cross-border efficiency.
In particular, SMEs in the UK now gain access to a powerful delivery partner that can help them scale internationally without the cost and complexity of managing multiple logistics providers.
Investor Confidence And Strategic Backing
The involvement of Apollo Global Management, which continues to hold a majority stake in Evri, along with the new strategic minority investment by DHL Group, demonstrates robust investor confidence in the merged entity’s growth potential.
This financial backing supports continued innovation, infrastructure expansion, and workforce development.
In an industry where capital-intensive improvements like automation and electrification of vehicle fleets are becoming crucial, such financial support is essential.
It ensures that the new group can invest in next-generation logistics technologies and futureproof its operations against the rapidly evolving demands of the eCommerce market.
Conclusion
The merger of Evri and DHL eCommerce UK marks a defining moment in the UK logistics industry.
With increased scale, improved service offerings, and a strategic vision rooted in innovation and efficiency, the combined group is positioned to become a leader in parcel delivery.
By aligning infrastructure, leadership, and customer-centric strategies, this partnership will not only meet the demands of a growing e-commerce market but also set new benchmarks for speed, security, and sustainability.
As regulatory approvals are finalised, businesses and consumers alike can look forward to a transformed delivery landscape—faster, broader, and more reliable than ever before.
FAQs About the Evri DHL Merger
What will happen to DHL eCommerce UK brand?
The DHL eCommerce UK brand will be rebranded as part of the Evri Premium network, maintaining its identity as a dedicated, secure service for premium deliveries within the new group.
Will Evri continue to operate under the same name?
Yes, the combined business will operate under the Evri brand, reflecting the company’s strategy to remain a prominent UK-based logistics provider while incorporating DHL’s strengths.
How does this merger affect small businesses?
Small businesses will benefit from more delivery options, including better international reach, cost-effective solutions, and improved reliability. A unified system also means more efficient tracking and fulfilment.
Will delivery prices change after the merger?
While price structures are subject to change over time, the initial goal of the merger is to offer more competitive pricing by improving efficiency and scalability.
How secure is the premium delivery service?
The Evri Premium service, formerly DHL’s van network, is specifically designed for high-value and time-sensitive parcels. It features enhanced security protocols to ensure safe transit and delivery.
Will existing customers need to switch platforms?
Current users of Evri or DHL services will experience a smooth transition with no immediate need to switch systems. Over time, digital platforms may be consolidated for convenience.
Is the international shipping service already available?
Evri already has some international capacity, but the merger significantly expands this, offering faster delivery and broader access through DHL’s global network. This service is expected to be phased in rapidly after regulatory approval.
