Clifford Chance advises Duvenbeck on sale to L.I.T. Group

Global law firm Clifford Chance has advised the Duvenbeck Group and Atlantik Advisors, as trustee shareholder of the Duvenbeck Group, since December 2025, initially with the support of key clients and financiers, on the stabilisation of the group which had unexpectedly encountered economic difficulties, and subsequently on the sale of Duvenbeck to the L.I.T. Group. The agreement for the acquisition of all shares was notarised at the end of October. The transaction is subject to closing conditions, including antitrust clearance. The parties expect to complete the transaction by the end of the year.

Headquartered in Bocholt, Germany, Duvenbeck was founded in 1932 and today employees around 5,000 people across more than 50 locations in Europe, providing transport and contract logistics services.

L.I.T. Group (Logistik, Information, Transport), which is headquartered in Brake, Germany, offers a wide range of services along the entire logistics chain, including integrated transport and warehouse logistics solutions. Founded in 1988, the group has more than 5,400 employees at over 130 locations in 22 countries.

The acquisition will strengthen L.I.T.’s automotive logistics business and expand its regional presence in Southern and Eastern Europe, complementing its strong position in Northern and Western Europe. It will combine L.I.T.’s industry knowledge and Duvenbeck’s experience and specialisation to support strategic development and strengthen the existing business.

The Clifford Chance team advising on Duvenbeck’s restructuring was led by partners Kolja von Bismarck (Restructuring, Munich) and Bettina Steinhauer (Debt Finance, Frankfurt). Partner Dominik Heß (Corporate, Düsseldorf) led the team advising on the sale of Duvenbeck to L.I.T.