The listed company Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) acquired a majority stake in the Austrian company ROLAND Spedition GmbH in June 2024. This strategic acquisition strengthens HHLA's position in the Austrian market and expands its logistics services. The law firm CERHA HEMPEL provided HHLA with comprehensive legal advice on the transaction.
With an annual volume of around 130,000 TEU, Roland Spedition GmbH is one of the largest owner-operated container operators for combined hinterland transport in Austria and thus contributes significantly to the modal shift from road to environmentally friendly rail transport. The network extends across Central and Southern Europe and connects the seaports of Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Rotterdam and Antwerp as well as Koper and Trieste with the hinterland. The company employs around 50 people at two locations in Austria. HHLA will combine Roland's range of services with its broad European network of seaport terminals in Hamburg, Tallinn, Trieste and Odessa as well as intermodal hinterland connections and inland terminals. Together with Roland, HHLA will offer its customers customised, climate-friendly transport solutions throughout Europe.
At CERHA HEMPEL, partners Heinrich Foglar-Deinhardstein and Mark Krenn were in charge of providing legal advice on the acquisition of the majority stake and the establishment of the joint venture with the sellers. They were supported by senior associates Nikolaus Feldscher, Marcus Lusar and Johanna Kaschubek, who significantly contributed to the successful completion of the transaction with their expertise and commitment. The team was complemented by partner Anna Wolf-Posch and senior associate Zakar Stepanyan in antitrust law, partner Armin Schwabl in regulatory law and partner Christopher Peitsch in labour law. Linklaters Germany was responsible for merger control clearance in Germany.
"We are delighted to have advised HHLA on this important investment. The cooperation was characterised by a strong partnership and a common goal: the successful implementation of this important acquisition," said Mark Krenn. "This acquisition will further support the growth of both companies and we are proud to have played our part," added Heinrich Foglar-Deinhardstein.
The sellers were legally advised by Taylor Wessing (overall lead partner Claudia Steegmüller, lead partner antitrust: Martin Eckel).
About Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG:
The listed company Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG is a leading European logistics company specialising in container handling and container transport and has been known for decades as a powerful, efficient and reliable service provider in Germany and beyond.
About ROLAND Spedition GmbH:
ROLAND Spedition GmbH is an established Austrian company that offers comprehensive forwarding and logistics solutions, specialising in intermodal transport between Austria and the German seaports. With many years of experience and a strong network, ROLAND has established itself as a trustworthy partner in the industry.