DHL Supply Chain has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Dutch e-commerce specialist Monta as both companies aim for a strong partnership to serve small and mid-sized webshops in e-fulfilment and online sales.
The deal is still subject to review by the antitrust authorities.
"In accelerating the international roll-out of Monta's logistics services, DHL will be able to respond even better to the specific needs of SMEs and smaller webshop customers and Monta is able to better serve its fast-growing customers," DHL said in a statement.
Monta, founded in 1999, is a major provider of e-commerce and e-fulfilment services in The Netherlands. It has a workforce of 1,000 people and 14 fulfilment locations, handles 12 million e-commerce orders and generated annual revenue of more than €100 million in 2021.
Monta currently services around 1,500 small and mid-sized fast-growing online shops and e-sellers through a wide range of software-enabled fulfilment services and warehouse management software.
Supporting growth in e-commerce
"With its dedicated team of 1,000 logistics experts, a strong footprint in the e-commerce market, proven processes and an outstanding track record in growing their customers through strategically leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as AI, Data Science and collaborative robotics, Monta is a perfect match for us to grow their service internationally," said Oscar de Bok, CEO for DHL Supply Chain.
"We will maintain and build upon Monta's valued current capabilities, expertise and culture to provide excellent, customer-centric solutions in the fast-growing e-commerce segment," de Bok added.
DHL noted that its global and European footprint and expertise in standardizing and scaling logistics processes fast will complement Monta's lean and agile logistics expertise in e-fulfilment for small and mid-sized companies.
"Our vision is to roll out our successful business model in the Netherlands across the border, to help our customers scale their business internationally as well. Monta has recently expanded internationally, which already led to the international expansion of several Monta customers. This transaction further accelerates this development," said Edwin van der Ham, Owner and CEO of Monta.
"For our staff, this transaction also expands their long-term career perspectives. We have been working with DHL for numerous years and experienced an excellent cultural fit. I am looking forward to a true partnership between the teams of Monta and DHL Supply Chain," van der Ham added.
Hendrik Venter, CEO of DHL Supply Chain EMEA, for his part, noted that these plans signify DHL's commitment to grow its e-commerce business across Europe and continue to provide the best fulfilment solutions.
"By forming a strong partnership with Monta we will strengthen our capabilities to respond even better to small and medium-sized e-commerce customers' needs. I am delighted and looking forward to our mutual cooperation in the years to come," Venter added.
