DHL Supply Chain to acquire Open Market in Colombia
The acquisition will expand DHL Supply Chain’s logistics capabilities in Colombia, adding warehouses, cross-docking platforms and temperature-controlled operations.
(L-R): Agustín Croche, Aníbal Wadih
DHL Supply Chain has entered into an agreement to acquire Open Market, a logistics and transport operator in Colombia, as part of its strategy to expand its regional presence and strengthen its specialised logistics capabilities.
The acquisition supports DHL Group’s Strategy 2030, which includes plans to expand its life sciences and healthcare logistics business by 2030.
The transaction is expected to further strengthen DHL’s global network and capabilities in life sciences and healthcare logistics, sectors that are seeing growing demand for specialised supply chain solutions.
Hendrik Venter, CEO DHL Supply Chain, said, “This step reflects our strategic focus on strengthening our capabilities in regions and sectors that show sustained, long-term growth. Colombia's strong economic momentum and rising demand for integrated logistics and transport services make it a key growth market for DHL Group. By expanding our presence here and integrating Open Market's expertise - particularly in managing complex supply chains for pharmaceuticals, medical products and personal care - we further advance our global DHL Health Logistics capabilities and reinforce our commitment to supporting customers in highly regulated and operationally demanding sectors”.
The integration of Open Market’s network of 21 warehouses, covering 120,000 square metres, along with 13 cross-docking platforms and an owned vehicle fleet, will strengthen DHL Supply Chain’s operational capabilities in Colombia.
The acquisition will also add around 4,100 employees to DHL’s workforce in the country and expand its logistics solutions portfolio with transportation, packaging and temperature-controlled operations.
Agustín Croche, CEO Latin America of DHL Supply Chain, added, DHL Supply Chain said Open Market’s experience complements its existing offering in Latin America. Its transport network, cross-docking platforms and temperature-controlled warehouses, along with expertise in sectors including life sciences and healthcare, consumer, and engineering and manufacturing, will enhance service quality and reliability for customers in Colombia and the wider region.
The acquisition also reflects DHL’s focus on investing in strategic capabilities based on evolving customer needs, with the aim of strengthening competitiveness and supporting sustainable growth.
DHL Supply Chain’s continued investment in Colombia includes the acquisition of Open Market and the recent expansion of its Constellation Distribution Center logistics hub in Cota, near Bogotá. The expanded facility is expected to strengthen DHL’s capabilities in managing specialised supply chains.
DHL Supply Chain Colombia CEO Robinson Vasquez said the addition of Open Market’s employees will bring extensive industry experience, local market knowledge and established customer relationships. The acquisition will further enhance DHL’s ability to provide specialised, reliable and responsive logistics solutions in Colombia.
Open Market said the sale of its Colombian operations is part of its strategy to focus investments and capabilities on Brazil. Anibal Wadih, Open Market Chairman of the Board, said that the company aims to ensure business continuity and maintain the quality and reliability of its services while preserving the value built over the years. He added that DHL’s global logistics expertise will support the next phase of Open Market’s operations in Colombia.
The acquisition remains subject to customary closing conditions before completion.
