UK Competition Watchdog Scrutinizes DHL–Evri Merger

German logistics giant DHL is aiming to expand its UK footprint by merging its British e-commerce unit with Evri.

DHL disclosed last month that it would merge its UK e-commerce operations with Evri, taking a minority stake in the new entity.

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The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a preliminary probe into the deal to assess potential risks to competition, Eleanor Butler reported for Euronews.

The CMA announced the review on Wednesday and is inviting public comments until June 25.

A formal investigation will follow. DHL disclosed last month that it would merge its UK e-commerce operations with Evri, taking a minority stake in the new entity.

If approved, the combined company would become one of the largest parcel delivery services in the UK, employing more than 30,000 couriers and van drivers, along with an additional 12,000 workers.

In 2022, Evri accounted for 14% of UK parcel deliveries by volume, according to shipping and mailing company Pitney Bowes. Together, the new group is expected to deliver over 1 billion parcels and 1 billion letters annually.