The Competition Tribunal has unconditionally approved a merger that will see DHL Supply Chain South Africa acquire full ownership of three local logistics firms: Vital Distribution Solutions, Staffing Logistics and Vital Fleet.
Once the transaction is implemented, DHL will have sole control over all three businesses, the Tribunal announced on Thursday, April 9.
DHL forms part of a global transport and logistics group, offering a broad range of third-party services across multiple sectors, while the target firms operate in related segments of the logistics and support services value chain.
Vital Distribution offers road-based transport, distribution and warehousing services.
Staffing Logistics provides temporary employment services to the transport, retail, hospitality and cleaning sectors.
Vital Fleet offers fleet rental and management services.
The acquisition comes after DHL announced a R6 billion investment in its African operations in October 2025.
The forwarder’s CEO for sub-Sahara, Hennie Heymans, explained that the company wanted to capitalise on the region’s growing trade.
“As trade expands, businesses are asking for predictable transit times, consistent delivery performance and support that understands local conditions. By raising the bar on service and proximity, we will help more African companies trade efficiently and compete on a bigger stage,” he said.
DHL said the sub-Saharan region had been a global leader in trade value expansion in the first half of 2025, recording 10% annual growth, making it the second-fastest-growing region globally.
DHL Express CEO John Pearson said the investment reflected the company’s confidence and growing trade opportunities in the region.
