The Antwerp logistics service provider Katoen Natie is about to take over one of the largest French transport companies: Bils-Deroo, a family business that was founded in 1911 and today employs 1,500 people.
The news was announced by the French daily La Voix du Nord and by our colleague Flows: Katoen Natie has started negotiations to acquire 80% of the shares of the holding company Bils-Deroo Solutions, while the remaining shares remain in the hands of the Bils family. This holding company has several subsidiaries (including Bils-Deroo and Simastock) that are active in five sectors: wholesale and specialized distribution, automotive industry, industry, consumer goods and e-commerce. All these activities employ approximately 1,500 people, spread over 25 logistics sites, the most important of which is in Sin-le-Noble (North department). Bils-Deroo’s logistics activities are concentrated in the Hauts-de-France region, with a total of 850,000 m² of warehouses. The road transport activities use a fleet of 270 trucks and 600 trailers, operated by 330 employed drivers and subcontractors.
“The Bils-Deroo Group was looking for a stable, long-term partner to continue its activities and expand its service offering. The acquisition will allow it to continue its growth and expand the service offering for customers. Jimmy Bils, chairman of Bils-Deroo, will continue to lead the company together with the existing management team. The arrival of Katoen Natie alongside Bils-Deroo will enable a joint development of the logistics and transport activities. Katoen Natie will expand its portfolio of international customers who are in Hauts-de-France, while supporting the improvement of IT and digital tools and the innovation of the processes and intralogistics installations of the warehouses. This collaboration will also promote the development of the e-commerce segment, taking advantage of Katoen Natie’s recognized expertise in tailor-made logistics solutions and optimized management of the flow of goods. Bils Deroo customers will be able to benefit from Katoen Natie’s global network, which offers comprehensive logistics solutions. Cotton Nation.
The transaction already received a first favorable opinion from the French competition authorities on October 25.
