Deal Brief - Chilled Transport Netherlands

Deal Highlights

IMAP Netherlands advised on: 

• Merger of JP. Vis & Zn with Hartman Beheer B.V. Hartman, a temperature-controlled transport company based in the Netherlands and specializing in the transport of fruit and vegetables to Scandinavia, merged with JP Vis & Zn. The merger is Hartman's second expansion in a short period of time, strengthening its network and maximizing the group's economies of scale. 
• Buy-out of a minority certificate holder in Kempen Transport IMAP Netherlands and HVG Law advised on the buy-out of a minority certificate holder in Kempen Transport, a company in the transport sector. The transaction offered both parties a solution. IMAP and HVG Law acted as advisors to the seller/minority certificate holder. 
• Farm Trans bundling forces with ECS Container transport specialist, ECS, is entering a partnership with Farm Trans. Farm Trans will now be able to focus on its Control Tower and on the road transport. This joining of forces will result in a total service package and provides opportunities to expand the businesses’ range of services. 

Market Outlook 

• A consolidation trend is taking place, driven by cost increases due to, among other factors, a shortage of personnel 
• Effective planning and full load handling are of the utmost importance 
• Cost savings are essential in order to maintain the objective of profitability 
• Digitalization is more important than ever.

The temperature-controlled transport industry is highly fragmented, driving an increase in the need for mergers and acquisitions and (strategic) collaborations. Companies want to make use of economies of scale and synergy in the industry. Larger transport companies have a strong and extensive network, enabling them to benefit from more efficient planning and economies of scale and thus achieve higher returns in comparison to stand-alone companies. 

The market is expected to consolidate further, and large transport companies will distinguish themselves thanks to a strong network.