DB Schenker strengthens presence in Finland
Germany-based logistics provider DB Schenker will add five distribution terminals in Finland to its network. This has been made possible due to purchasing Vähälä Yhtiöt, the Finnish logistics group. The deal will also result in intensifying the operations of the German company in Finland, particularly in the central and northern parts of the country.
DB Schenker is continuing its way in strengthening its position in Northern Europe. After series of prominent activities in Norway, Finland is in its focus. The German company acquired the entire share capital of Vähälä Yhtiöt, the Finnish family-owned logistics group. According to the agreement, the parties will not disclose the price.
Both companies have been cooperating as strong partners for 65 years. “With the takeover of Vähälä Yhtiöt, a company that already operates for DB Schenker in Finland, we have the opportunity to expand the structure of DB Schenker’s land transport network in central and northern Finland,” said Helmut Schweighofer, CEO of DB Schenker in Europe.
Vähälä Yhtiöt
Vähälä Yhtiöt was established in 1937. It is focused on providing domestic land transport services in central and northern Finland. Since 1956, the company has been working as a partner of the DB Schenker network. Vähälä Yhtiöt consists of Vähälä Logistics, which is a parent company, and its subsidiaries, Lauri Vähälä and Kiitoterminaali. The group operates five distribution terminals: in Jyväskylä, Oulu, Ylivieska, Rovaniemi and Kemi. Its staff includes 265 employees while the fleet counts around 240 vehicles including LNG-powered trucks, electric vans and high-capacity (HCT) long semi-trailers. In the medium term, Vähälä Yhtiöt will continue to operate as an independent affiliate in domestic land transport, alongside DB Schenker in Finland.