Evri one of the UK’s largest parcel delivery companies, is set to merge with DHL eCommerce forming a new group that will handle over 1 billion parcels and business letters annually.

The transaction will see DHL Group acquire a significant minority stake in Evri, with the merged entity retaining the Evri brand. 

DHL eCommerce announced it will operate under 'Evri Premium’ which will be a network of DHL eCommerce, offering a separate premium van delivery service.

It has been reported the combined business will unite Evri's cost-effective courier network with DHL's premium delivery capabilities, creating a comprehensive service portfolio that includes next-day deliveries, secure premium services for high-value items, and one of UK's largest out-of-home networks comprising 15,000 access points.

Martijn de Lange, CEO of Evri, said: "We are excited that DHL eCommerce UK will merge with Evri to bring together two highly complementary UK businesses - committed to innovation and offering customers and clients the best possible service.  

“By combining Evri's scale, innovation and DHL eCommerce's best-in-class premium van network, we are creating the pre-eminent parcel delivery group in the UK."

Pablo Ciano, CEO of DHL eCommerce, added: "DHL eCommerce and Evri both stand for top service quality, reliability, and sustainability, which makes this partnership a great fit for our customers.

“Together, we'll be able to offer more efficient, far-reaching, and innovative solutions to keep up with the fast-paced e-commerce market."

The merger will also see Evri enter the UK business letter market for the first time through DHL's UK Mail business.

The expanded international capabilities will leverage DHL eCommerce's expertise in cross-border shipping and global network of nearly 150,000 access points.  

Upon completion, de Lange will lead the combined business, while Stu Hill, currently CEO of DHL eCommerce UK, will become MD of Evri's Premium DHL network.

The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals.