The Walden Group has reportedly concluded exclusive negotiations with the Yusen Logistics Group regarding the planned sale of its Walden Health business unit. The aim is to drive international expansion and secure access to global infrastructures. According to the statement, investments in digital and temperature-controlled solutions are also a focus of the potential transaction.
Planned expansion of international capacities
The European logistics service provider Walden Group is positioning Walden Health for further international growth. The potential transaction is intended to enable the use of Yusen Logistics' global network, digital infrastructure, and temperature-controlled and GDP-compliant logistics solutions, significantly expanding the service offering.
Walden Health operates in twelve European countries and employs around 5,400 people. The company serves customers in the pharmaceutical industry, wholesale, and
healthcare sectors. The development of Walden Health into a European provider was significantly shaped by the acquisition of Movianto in 2020 from Owens & Minor.
“Today's announcement is an important step on our journey to becoming a leading player in healthcare logistics, and we look forward to welcoming Walden Health to our group. In recent years, we have expanded healthcare logistics by broadening our global capacities to offer our customers various logistics services. We believe the combination of Walden Health's high professionalism with our long-standing reputation and global network can make our healthcare logistics service unique,” said Hiroki Harada, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Yusen Logistics Group.
Yusen Logistics strengthens market position in the healthcare segment
“Thanks to the Yusen Logistics
Group, Walden Health will develop into a true global player, offering its customers end-to-end services and building on a strong innovative DNA focused on improving patient care with unwavering commitment to quality,” added Stephane Baudry, Chairman of the Walden Group.
Yusen Logistics is a global logistics service provider headquartered in Japan and a wholly-owned subsidiary of NYK Line, Japan's largest shipping company. The company employs more than 25,000 people worldwide, operates over 650 logistics centers and 373 warehouses in 45 countries, including 18 in Europe. In addition to healthcare, the core sectors of Yusen also include the automotive, aerospace, and technology industries.
Walden Group focuses on Mobility sector
While Walden Health is set to enter the next growth phase, the Walden Group plans
to further develop its activities in the Mobility business sector. This includes subsidiaries Ciblex, Relais Colis, Movianto, Eurotranspharma, Transpharma International, and Walden Digital – with a focus on express, last-mile, and temperature-controlled healthcare logistics.
Completion subject to committee and regulatory review
The transaction is currently being reviewed by the Walden Group's works councils. Additionally, the completion is subject to the usual regulatory approvals. Walden is being advised on the planned sale by Morgan Stanley and Crédit Agricole CIB as financial advisors and by the law firm Veil Jourde legally. EY Parthenon is tasked with financial and strategic due diligence, and EY Société d’Avocats with tax and HR aspects. Rothschild & Co. and A&O Shearman advise Yusen Logistics on financial and legal matters. (av)
