We have advised bpostgroup, Belgium’s postal operator and a growing parcel & omni-commerce logistics partner, on its contemplated strategic acquisition of Staci from Ardia, a European specialist in third-party logistics with operations in various European countries, the United States, and parts of Asia. The bpostgroup has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of Staci from Ardian and other minority shareholders for a total amount of €1.3bn. This deal marks a major step for bpostgroup, enhancing its European logistics capabilities and expanding its global footprint.

This strategic acquisition is set to bolster bpostgroup’s presence in parcelized logistics throughout Europe and internationally, expanding its service portfolio and driving forward its aim to be at the forefront of e-commerce and omnichannel logistics. The acquisition promises not only to enrich bpostgroup’s offerings but also to generate substantial synergies within the group, particularly enhancing its B2B logistics capabilities. bpostgroup has arranged a bridge financing and will utilize a portion of its available cash to fund the transaction. The transaction is subject to prior communication and consultation with the relevant employee representatives, and is expected to close in September / October 2024, following receipt of regulatory approvals.

The transaction was led by our multijurisdictional cross-border M&A team including Arnaud Coibion (Brussels), Florent Mazeron (Paris), Louis Prades (Paris), Viktor Pokorny (Brussels) and Philippe de Lathuy (Brussels). Our Antitrust and Foreign Investment included Bernd Meyring, Liliane Melhan-Gam, Victor Sand Holmberg, and Antoine Barazzoni. Our finance team included David Ballegeer, Francis Wijnakker and Pierre Pettiaux. Our Employment team included Nele Van Kerrebroeck, Jennifer Granado Aranzana, and Felice Baele.