Digital freight forwarder sennder to buy CH Robinson’s EST operations

The acquisition of EST, which is a major European full truck load (FTL) provider, will see over 6,500 shippers and more than 15,000 carriers become part of the sennder network.

The deal will create one of the largest FTL entities in Europe, with a combined €1.4bn (£1.18bn) of revenue and a 1,700-strong team, operating in over 20 locations, including the UK.

Announcing the deal, sennder said the transaction will provide EST customers with its digital platform sennOS and unlock “significant” growth opportunities by delivering improved service offerings and freight solutions tailored to the European market.

Shippers will have access to sennOS to digitally manage their transports, gaining full control and visibility over their trucking operations and be able to access one of the largest digital carrier networks in Europe.

sennder said the deal will also benefit carriers through higher utilisation, greater network density, fewer empty kilometers, a more sustainable road freight network, faster payments, and technology that reduces their administrative workload. 

The acquisition is expected to be completed by Q4 this year.

David Nothacker, sennder chief executive, said: ”This acquisition will be pivotal in advancing sennder’s roadmap. With its vision to accelerate global trade to deliver products and goods that drive the world’s economy, C.H. Robinson aligns strongly with sennder’s mission and values to create an efficient and sustainable road freight network in Europe.

“sennOS, the technological powerhouse behind sennder, requires scale and volume density to unlock its full potential. This M&A transaction gives us that scale. We are deeply impressed by the EST team from C.H. Robinson, and with our combined business and enhanced talent pool, we can deliver substantial growth and operational scale, accelerating our European expansion in road freight and increasing network density and digital capabilities for the benefit of carriers, shippers, and the wider industry. We are excited to welcome the EST team, and embark on the next chapter of sennder’s journey.”

David Bozeman, C H Robinson president and chief executive, added: ”I am convinced that sennder will be a great home for the EST business and will provide good continuity of service to EST customers.

“We are confident in this strategic decision to drive more focus in our organisation and pleased to see the potential for growth and opportunity that this transition brings for the EST team.

“To win, we need to focus on what sets us apart and build upon our competitive advantages. While we remain committed to our global forwarding and managed services presence in Europe, and continuing to invest in the region, this clarity of investment is important for the long-term success of our business and employees as well as the value and impact we can offer our customers and carriers.”

Lat year sennder formed a joint venture named Juna with Scania, which aims to accelerate the adoption of electric trucks in Europe. Juna uses a pay-per-use model for electric trucks and guarantees transport volumes, by granting carriers with access to spot and contract loads on sennder’s digital platform.