Waterland sells Duvenbeck to LIT-Gruppe
Logistics group Duvenbeck, with about 5,000 staff across more than 50 European sites, is being acquired by LIT-Gruppe from majority owner Waterland.
LIT-Gruppe is taking over Duvenbeck, LIT chief executive Fokke Fels confirmed to VerkehrsRundschau. The deal still requires antitrust approval. Fels did not disclose the combined headcount, fleet or revenue, saying open questions remain.
Duvenbeck, which reports more than 50 sites in Europe and about 5,000 employees, had recently run into financial difficulties. Its majority owner Waterland, a British financial investor that acquired the majority in 2022, reportedly hired PwC in February 2026 to run the sale. Waterland had sought to broaden Duvenbeck beyond car transport into e-commerce and beverage logistics.
Fels said the purchase strengthens LIT in automotive logistics and adds regional reach in southern and eastern Europe. He added that LIT will remain a member of the ELVIS part- and full-load network.
Deal facts
- Target
- Duvenbeck
- Business
- Transport and logistics group with automotive logistics operations, about 50 sites in Europe and roughly 5,000 employees
- Buyer
- LIT-Gruppe
- Seller
- Waterland Private Equity
- Deal type
- Exit
- Advisers
- PwC financial adviser to Waterland
- Status
- Announced, not yet closed
- Announced
- Friday, October 30, 2026
Sources
- verkehrsrundschau.deOct 30, 2026
Written by Buyout Desk from the sources above. Spotted an error? Email corrections@buyoutdesk.com.