In October 2023, DFDS confirmed rumors of negotiations to acquire Ekol Logistics. This strategic acquisition, announced on April 9, 2024, bolsters DFDS's activities along the intermodal corridor connecting Turkey and Europe, allowing the Danish company to complement its Mediterranean ro-ro (roll-on/roll-off) ship lines (which also include Trieste) with road transport. The transaction is expected to be finalized in the fourth quarter of 2024, following approval from market regulatory authorities.
The purchase price is approximately 260 million euros and includes Ekol Logistics' international network, which spans ten European countries. The Turkish company employs 3,700 staff and generated revenue of around 470 million euros in 2023. "This acquisition represents an excellent strategic fit for DFDS," explains Torben Carlsen, CEO of the Danish company. "Transporting large volumes of rolling stock reliably and efficiently, using combinations of road, ferry, and rail, is our core business. Furthermore, we believe Turkey's role as a manufacturing hub for Europe will become even stronger in the future, as nearshoring brings supply chains closer to end markets."
In a statement, DFDS noted that the transport market between Turkey and Europe is expected to grow by an average of 14% per year until 2028. In this context, DFDS can offer end-to-end services to final customers, including distribution and warehousing for both Turkish and European companies.
