DPD finalises CitySprint acquisition

DPD has completed the acquisition of CitySprint, enabling it to offer same day delivery services.

Following the approval of the transaction by the Competition and Markets Authority, CitySprint is now part of DPDgroup.

DPD’s UK customers can now access CitySprint's same day and specialist delivery services. CitySprint will also be able to offer its customers access to DPD's domestic next day and international services. 

Elaine Kerr, CEO of DPD UK, said: "Same day delivery is one of the fastest growing segments of the logistics market and this deal will enable us to provide our customers with fantastic new services.

“Demand for home delivery has continued to grow as consumer behaviour has evolved post-pandemic and DPD UK is perfectly positioned to meet that demand and consolidate our position as a market leader." 

The acquisition, which was announced in August, follows a period of growth for CitySprint, which says it has seen continued demand for its services as businesses require more urgent and time critical same-day deliveries.

In July, it announced a recruitment drive in response to a significant uplift in logistics demand, especially in the London area.

Gary West, CEO of CitySprint, added: "We are delighted to have finally completed this transaction and formally become part of DPDgroup. This represents a major opportunity for both our colleagues and customers as we join forces with Europe's largest parcel delivery network.

“There continues to be strong demand for same day delivery services, and we believe we have the right strategy in place to capitalise and build on this within the enlarged DPDgroup." 

CitySprint's national same day delivery network comprises 30-plus service centres across the UK with geographical reach to more than 88% of the mainland population within 60 minutes. 

DPD operates nationwide from 84 locations and delivers some 300 million parcels a year.

In October 2020, DPD announced plans to deliver to 25 of the largest towns and cities in the UK with zero and low-emission delivery means by 2023. In July 2021, Oxford became DPD's first all-electric city in the UK.