HUETTEMANN GROUP STRENGTHENS DUTCH ACTIVITIES
The Dutch HUETTEMANN subsidiary Rabelink Logistics with headquarters in Wehl takes over Gesink Transport at the turn of the year. All of the approximately 140 employees as well as the complete fleet with more than 100 tractor units and 115 trailers will be transferred as part of the deal. The previous owner Arno Gesink will remain on board during the integration period of three years to ensure a smooth transition for customers and employees.
As of January, Gesink Transport from Zelhem in the Netherlands will belong to the German Huettemann Group, or more precisely to its subsidiary Rabelink Logistics. “We are pleased that we were able to find a satisfactory agreement in the partnership-based negotiations,” says Manfred Köhler, Managing Director of Huettemann Holding, which is headquartered in Duisburg. “The takeover represents a win-win situation for all parties.”
Future of employees secured
Gesink Transport, family-owned for four generations and a specialist in transports to the Benelux countries and Germany, has recently experienced rapid business growth.
In order to fully exploit the potential of this growth, the highest investment package in the company’s history would have had to be initiated. In addition to expanding the infrastructure at the Zehlhem site (doubling the handling capacities, workshop space and office), this also includes pressing issues such as the automation and digitalisation of business processes. “At my age, I can’t take this big step,” says Arno Gesink (62). Actually, that would be the role of Stephan Keuter, who forms part of the management together with Arno Gesink and has been preparing to take over in recent years. However, due to the Corona crisis, he was unable to arrange financing in the medium term. “That’s why I looked for a solution early on that would secure the future of my staff in particular. After all, it is they who have ensured that we are in such a good we are in such a good position today.” In Rabelink Logistcs and the Huettemann Group, says Arno Gesink, they found the perfect partner for a business transfer. “As owner-managed companies, we share the same values and put employees and customers at the centre – that is most important. I am convinced that they are in good hands with Rabelink Logistics and as part of the Huettemann Group. ” Gesink Transport is also a good match for Huettemann subsidiary Rabelink Logistics.
“Besides cultural aspects, we see great synergy potential between the two companies,” says Rabelink managing director Alwin Schweckhorst. “On the one hand, by taking over the businesses, we can consolidate and expand the existing relations on both sides. On the other hand, the customer structure of Gesink Transport corresponds exactly to our target group with primarily small to medium-sized companies that are looking for a partner at eye level to solve their logistical challenges.”
The takeover also brings potential added value to Gesink Transport’s existing customers: as a 3PL logistics provider, Rabelink Logistics offers not only transports but also comprehensive supply chain management from a single source, from air and sea freight to warehouse logistics, transport and freight forwarding to value-added services.
Strengthening of Dutch activities
With this acquisition, the Huettemann Group is further strengthening its Dutch operations. “The pressure on the logistics sector is growing, so corresponding volume growth is essential to position ourselves successfully in the market in the long term,” says Manfred Köhler, Managing Director of Huettemann Holding. “Rabelink has developed excellently over the past decade, and with this step we are securing our position as a leading medium-sized logistics company in the region and beyond.” In the annual “logistiek.nl” and renowned in the Netherlands, Rabelink Logistics was recently ranked 45th (previously 61st) among the 100 most important logistics companies in the Netherlands.
No impact on existing business
Despite the sale, little will change for Gesink Transport’s customers and employees. The staff will be taken over with all rights and obligations, as will the entire fleet. The location in Zelhem and the Gesink brand itself will also be retained. “We are giving ourselves three years for the integration,” says Manfred Köhler. During this phase, Arno Gesink and Stephan Keuter will remain on board so that we can get to know the structures and processes without pressure and integrate them smoothly. After that, Arno would then like to retire. “Our common goal is that customers and employees notice as little as possible of the takeover in their daily work.”
In the coming days, the management of Rabelink Logistics and Gesink Transport will jointly contact customers and partners to discuss the further process.
