Waterland Acquires Palletways to Enhance European Logistics

Waterland has officially acquired Palletways, a prominent player in the European palletised freight distribution market. The deal, announced on March 4, 2026, aims to strengthen Palletways’ service delivery and operational capabilities, capitalizing on Waterland’s extensive experience in scaling logistics and technology-enabled platforms.

Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Lichfield, Staffordshire, UK, Palletways has established itself as Europe’s leading provider of palletised freight distribution services. The company operates 23 hubs across 25 countries, handling over ten million pallets annually. Its business model integrates advanced digital logistics systems with a network of high-quality local transport partners, ensuring fast and reliable service.

Waterland’s acquisition is structured to support Palletways’ members, allowing the company to continue prioritizing exceptional service delivery. Luis Zubialde, CEO of Palletways, stated, “Partnering with Waterland marks an exciting new chapter for Palletways. Their understanding of our sector, combined with their strong track record in supporting international growth, makes them the ideal partner for our next phase of development.”

The strategic rationale behind this acquisition lies in the robust market position of Palletways and the growth drivers within the European logistics sector, including the rise of e-commerce and increasing supply chain complexity. Waterland’s Partner, Wendy McMillan, emphasized, “Palletways is a clear European leader in palletised freight distribution, with a proven model, a strong brand, and a highly capable management team.”

As part of the acquisition, Waterland plans to leverage its expertise to expand Palletways’ footprint and enhance its service capabilities. This includes pursuing selective acquisitions to complement its network and investing in technology to improve operational efficiency. The integration of advanced digital platforms, such as the Palletways Portal, will further enhance real-time tracking and operational efficiency.

Looking ahead, the acquisition is expected to strengthen Palletways’ competitive edge in Europe, particularly in key markets such as Germany, Italy, Iberia, Benelux, and Hungary. The deal also positions Palletways to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the logistics sector.

While the specific financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed, the acquisition is anticipated to create significant synergies, including economies of scale and enhanced operational efficiency. As the logistics landscape continues to evolve, Palletways is well-positioned for future growth.

About Waterland
Waterland is a European private equity firm that invests in established, growing companies across mid-market segments. With deep sector expertise and a long-term investment horizon, Waterland partners with management teams to drive operational improvements, strategic growth initiatives, and international expansion. The firm focuses on building strong, sustainable businesses by combining hands-on support with disciplined value creation strategies.