With more than 4 billion parcels delivered across the UK in 2024 alone, the demand for faster, smarter, and more integrated logistics solutions has never been greater.
In response to this growing pressure, DHL eCommerce UK and Evri have announced a landmark merger to form what is expected to become the UK’s premier parcel delivery business. But what does this mean for retailers, consumers, and the future of eCommerce logistics in Britain?
How Will the DHL and Evri Merger Transform the UK Parcel Delivery Market?
On 14 May 2025, DHL eCommerce UK and Evri announced a transformational merger that is poised to redefine the UK’s parcel delivery landscape. This strategic integration unites two highly complementary logistics providers, creating what is set to become the leading parcel delivery business in the UK.
With over 2 billion annual deliveries, including both parcels and business letters, the merged entity promises to offer more efficient, cost-effective, and comprehensive logistics solutions for consumers, businesses, and retailers.
The merger not only represents a consolidation of infrastructure and technology but also signifies a broader shift in the industry towards integrated, scalable logistics that can meet the demands of modern eCommerce and retail. It raises a critical question for businesses: how will this new delivery giant affect operations, customer experience, and international growth?
What Makes This Merger a Game-Changer for UK Logistics?
The DHL and Evri partnership stands out due to its strategic alignment. DHL eCommerce UK brings a well-established international logistics infrastructure, premium van network, and enterprise-level delivery solutions.
Evri, on the other hand, offers flexible, cost-effective, and highly scalable domestic parcel delivery services, with a significant footprint in retail logistics.
Together, the merged entity is positioned to serve as a one-stop logistics solution, catering to small businesses, large retailers, and international brands operating within and outside the UK.
The merger has been structured as a strategic transaction. DHL Group will acquire a significant minority stake in the combined Evri Group, with options to increase its involvement over time.
Meanwhile, Evri will retain its core brand identity, and DHL eCommerce will operate under the new premium banner of Evri Premium a secure, high-speed delivery service for larger and high-value items.
Who Will Lead the Combined Group?
Leadership of the newly formed delivery powerhouse will be spearheaded by Martijn de Lange, currently the CEO of Evri, who will oversee the combined operations in the UK.
Supporting him will be Stu Hill, CEO of DHL eCommerce UK, who will transition to the role of Managing Director of Evri Premium. The integration of executive teams from both organisations is expected to bring operational continuity and strategic cohesion.
Ownership remains largely with Apollo-managed funds, which currently back Evri. DHL’s participation in the merged group allows it to extend its reach in the UK parcel sector without disrupting its other UK-based operations, such as DHL Express or DHL Supply Chain.
What Services Will Be Offered by the Merged Group?
The merger offers a broad and compelling service portfolio that supports a wide range of shipping needs. This includes next-day and standard delivery services, premium secure shipping, business letter delivery, fulfilment, and global cross-border capabilities.
The aim is to simplify the logistics journey for retailers and ensure smoother last-mile delivery for consumers.
Key Service Capabilities
| Service Area | Description |
| Domestic Parcel Delivery | Standard and next-day options across the UK, including remote areas |
| Evri Premium (DHL Van Network) | Secure and fast delivery for high-value B2B and B2C items |
| International Shipping | Access to DHL’s global eCommerce network across Europe, Asia, and the US |
| Business Mail Delivery | Reintroduction of UK Mail to handle 1 billion letters annually |
| Fulfilment Solutions | Warehouse management, inventory dispatch, and order processing |
| Out-of-Home Delivery | 15,000+ parcel shops and lockers for convenient delivery and returns |
| SME Logistics | End-to-end shipping for small and medium businesses |
This unified service model will especially benefit retailers needing a hybrid of high-volume, budget-friendly shipping and premium delivery options for specific SKUs.
How Does the Merger Impact Retailers in the UK?
The UK retail landscape, particularly eCommerce, is heavily reliant on logistics partners. For many businesses, especially SMEs, managing delivery expectations while keeping costs low has been a perennial challenge.
This merger seeks to ease those pressures by combining cost-effective domestic delivery with enhanced international options and reliable tracking.
Retailers will gain from streamlined services and unified systems that reduce operational friction. For example, a business currently juggling Evri for domestic fulfilment and DHL for cross-border logistics can now manage both through a single integrated platform.
Moreover, the introduction of business mail services under the merged brand brings an additional layer of convenience for businesses that need to distribute promotional material, invoices, and lightweight goods.
What Does This Mean for eCommerce Growth and International Expansion?
Globalisation and digital trade have redefined what British retailers require from logistics providers.
The new DHL-Evri group will capitalise on DHL’s vast cross-border network, which includes nearly 150,000 out-of-home access points worldwide, along with enhanced transit times through Europe, North America, and growing Asian markets such as India.
Retailers aiming to expand into these markets will benefit from:
- Reduced customs processing time
- Better visibility across international supply chains
- Access to trusted last-mile carriers in destination countries
The merger aligns with the growing trend of end-to-end logistics solutions, where companies want to avoid multiple third-party handovers and instead rely on integrated, trackable, and responsive services.
What Role Will Innovation and Sustainability Play in the New Group?
Both Evri and DHL have demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability. The newly formed group is expected to continue investing in:
- Electric delivery fleets
- Smart sorting hubs
- AI-based route optimisation
- Customer-facing technologies like live tracking and estimated delivery windows
These investments not only streamline operations but also contribute towards DHL Group’s global goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
As part of this commitment, the group plans to scale up its green logistics operations, including carbon-neutral parcel deliveries and energy-efficient facilities.
How Does This Merger Compare with Pre-Merger Capabilities?
Below is a comparative overview of the service strengths of DHL eCommerce UK and Evri before the merger:
| Feature | DHL eCommerce UK | Evri |
| Parcel Volume | 500+ million parcels/year | 800+ million parcels/year |
| Core Strength | International logistics and premium van | Cost-effective last-mile delivery |
| International Reach | Extensive across EU, US, Asia | Limited but growing |
| Courier Network | 12,000+ delivery vans and drivers | 25,000+ couriers |
| Out-of-Home Points | 3,000+ in the UK | 10,000+ in the UK |
| Business Mail | Yes (UK Mail) | Newly entering the space |
| eCommerce Partners | Amazon, Shopify, Magento | ASOS, Next, Vinted, eBay |
What Are the Implications for the Wider Logistics Sector?
While the DHL-Evri merger opens new doors for efficiency and growth, it also introduces competitive tension in the UK parcel industry. Key rivals like Royal Mail, DPD, and Yodel will likely reassess their market positions, possibly leading to further consolidation in the sector.
The scale of the new group may put pressure on smaller courier firms to either specialise in niche areas or explore partnerships with tech platforms. However, from a market regulation perspective, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is expected to scrutinise the deal to ensure healthy competition remains.
What Will Happen Next?
The transaction is still subject to standard regulatory approvals, but completion is expected by Q4 2025. Once finalised, the new group will operate with over 30,000 couriers and drivers, supported by 12,000 employees and a fleet of 8,000 delivery vehicles.
The businesses of DHL Express, DHL Supply Chain, and DHL Global Forwarding are not part of this merger and will continue to operate independently within the UK.
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FAQs About the DHL eCommerce UK & Evri Merger 2025
What is the goal of the DHL and Evri merger?
To form a unified, comprehensive parcel logistics business offering services from standard domestic delivery to premium international fulfilment, thereby becoming the UK’s leading delivery network.
Who will lead the newly formed group?
Martijn de Lange will head the UK business, while Stu Hill will oversee Evri Premium. The executive leadership includes representatives from both DHL eCommerce UK and Evri.
What is Evri Premium?
Evri Premium is the rebranded network of DHL eCommerce UK, focused on fast, secure delivery for high-value parcels within B2B and B2C segments.
Will there be any impact on other DHL divisions?
No, DHL Express, Supply Chain, and Global Forwarding remain unaffected and will continue operations as usual.
How does this merger affect small businesses?
SMEs will benefit from an all-in-one solution for mail, parcels, fulfilment, and cross-border logistics, improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Are services for lightweight business mail expanding?
Yes, with the inclusion of DHL’s UK Mail, the group will now offer business mail services, particularly suited for lightweight eCommerce items and marketing materials.
What sustainability initiatives will the group pursue?
The merged entity will continue investments in electric fleets, route optimisation, and carbon-neutral services as part of DHL’s 2050 net-zero logistics goal.
