DHL Supply Chain has received unconditional approval from South Africa’s Competition Tribunal for its acquisition of three Vital Group companies: Vital Distribution Solutions, Staffing Logistics and Vital Fleet. The businesses will operate as subsidiaries of DHL Supply Chain in South Africa, preserving their established operations, customer relationships and regional networks.
The acquisition strengthens DHL Supply Chain’s platform in South Africa by adding immediate scale in distribution, fleet management and workforce solutions. It also brings route density, fleet capability and local market agility that would take significantly longer to build organically.
“This acquisition gives our customers, and Vital’s customers, a stronger platform from which to grow,” said Bremer Pauw, Chief Commercial Officer, Middle East and Africa, and Managing Director, Africa, DHL Supply Chain. “Vital has built a highly capable business with strong customer relationships, entrepreneurial energy and real market reach. By bringing that together with DHL’s scale, systems and broader supply chain capabilities, we are creating a platform that helps customers get their products into more outlets, more consistently, across every relevant retail tier.”
The acquisition also supports DHL Supply Chain’s transport decarbonisation agenda. Greater route density and improved network design can reduce empty running, improve vehicle utilisation and strengthen the business case for lower-emission fleet investment. Combined with stronger operational control, this creates clearer and more measurable decarbonisation pathways for customers over time.
The transaction also forms part of DHL Group’s longer‑term investment commitment to Sub‑Saharan Africa, announced in 2025, which includes planned investment of approximately €300 million over five years.
