L.I.T. Group has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of Duvenbeck Gruppe, a prominent European full-service logistics provider operating at more than 50 locations with approximately 5,000 employees. The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including antitrust clearance, and is expected to be completed before the end of the year. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Founded in 1932 and headquartered in Bocholt, Germany, Duvenbeck specializes in transport and contract logistics, with a strong focus on the automotive industry. Its service portfolio includes road transport supported by an in-house fleet, as well as specialized production and contract logistics solutions tailored to manufacturers and suppliers. The company provides production-related logistics services designed to integrate transportation, warehousing and delivery operations within automotive supply chains.
Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Brake, Germany, L.I.T. Group operates more than 130 sites across 22 countries and employs over 5,400 people. The group offers comprehensive logistics services, including national and international transport, air and sea freight, warehouse management, fleet operations, personnel logistics and IT solutions. In 2025, L.I.T. generated approximately €1.1 billion in revenue and operated more than 1.1 million square metres of warehouse space.
The acquisition is strategically significant for L.I.T., strengthening its position in automotive logistics and expanding its geographical reach, particularly in Southern and Eastern Europe. Duvenbeck’s extensive European network and established relationships with automotive manufacturers and suppliers are expected to complement L.I.T.’s existing operations and broaden its pan-European service offering.
The combined group aims to generate operational synergies by integrating transport and multimodal logistics services, optimizing fleet utilization and consolidating administrative functions. Further opportunities are expected through cross-selling, standardized processes and IT systems, and the development of tailored logistics solutions for automotive supply chains. L.I.T. believes the complementary expertise and networks of both companies will create additional growth opportunities and improve operational efficiency.
The acquisition also comes at a challenging time for Duvenbeck, which has faced significant financial and operational difficulties in recent years. Following its acquisition by investment firm Waterland in 2022, the company experienced increasing financial pressure. An ambitious growth strategy, acquisitions and substantial investments in equipment contributed to its difficulties. These challenges were compounded by low-margin contracts, losses on several projects and declining production in the German automotive industry.
In April 2026, it became known that Waterland was considering a sale of Duvenbeck and had appointed PwC to identify potential buyers. As part of the broader restructuring, the Dutch subsidiary Schotpoort Logistics was also separated from the Duvenbeck Group. In early October 2026, the Schotpoort family repurchased the business, including its various entities and real estate, allowing it to operate independently again.
L.I.T. acknowledges that Duvenbeck is still undergoing a strategic transformation and restructuring process, which will continue under its new ownership. According to L.I.T. board member Simeon Breuer, the two companies have complementary capabilities and networks that can be combined to unlock synergies. Richard Hell, interim CEO of Duvenbeck, sees particular opportunities to further develop the group’s transport and production logistics activities.
Looking ahead, L.I.T. intends to leverage the expanded network, additional expertise and stronger presence in key European markets to develop integrated logistics solutions for customers, particularly in the automotive sector. The integration will focus on continuing Duvenbeck’s restructuring, aligning operational processes and systems, and maintaining key customer relationships and expertise. Completion remains subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.
