Digital freight forwarder sennder finalises acquisition of CH Robinson’s EST operations

The acquisition of major European full truck load (FTL) provider EST, which has offices in Slough and Manchester, was first revealed in July last year.

The deal will see over 6,500 shippers and more than 15,000 carriers become part of the sennder network, creating one of the largest FTL entities in Europe, with a 1,600-strong team, operating in over 20 locations, including in the UK.

The combined entity will have a total of €1.4bn (£1.18bn) in revenue and will rank among the Top 5 Full Truck Load players in Europe.

Announcing the deal, sennder said that “after a transition period” EST will operate under the sennder brand, adding that the terms of the transaction will not be disclosed.

The company added that with the integration of the EST business, sennder will further strengthen its management team, with three new C-suite members.

These are Chris Mills, former EST vice president, who is now chief operating officer; former EST sales director Christoffer Haldemar, who takes on the role of chief commercial officer; and Arkadiusz Glinka, former EST product director, who is now chief growth officer. 

David Nothacker, sennder chief executive and co-founder (pictured above), said: “With this acquisition, we are creating a European tech logistics powerhouse that will benefit our carriers, customers, employees, and the wider industry.

“By adding the expertise and network of EST to sennder’s digital platform, we are accelerating our mission to build an efficient and sustainable road freight network in Europe and enhancing our service offering to more than 20 markets.

“We look forward to joining forces with and welcoming the EST employees to sennder for this promising opportunity.” 

 He added: “Chris Mills, Christoffer Haldemar, and Arkadiusz Glinka will be excellent additions to our management team.

“Their experience and expertise in building and spearheading a complex road freight product in Europe will be invaluable to sennder.”

Chris Mills, sennder COO, added: “It was very important for us to find a strong partner and home for our team that shares our vision and provides clear growth prospects.

“I am full of confidence that we will have a successful future as part of sennder.

“Our combined forces will help to bolster the European road freight network, and we are pleased to continue our journey in this combined business.”