Since our establishment in 1976 we have been through a series of mergers to maintain a key position in the global transport industry. As a result, we have grown stronger and larger. With the acquisition of ABX LOGISTICS in 2008 we have further strengthened our position in Europe and doubled the size of the Air & Sea Division.
The beginning
It all began in 1976 when Leif Tullberg and ten independent hauliers established DSV, De Sammensluttede Vognmænd af 13-7 1976 A/S. The company operated as a cartage department for the owners and only handled contracting haulage and deliveries.
Soon the vision became to enter the international transport market. It was realised in 1989 with the acquisition of two competing export companies Borup Autotransport A/S and Hammerbro A/S-Bech Trans, followed by Samson Transport Co. A/S in 1997 and Svex Group A/S in 1999.
These were important acquisitions as they altered the services and product focus as well as made the framework for an international future of the company.
Strengthening our global position
In 2000 the biggest step in the company’s history was taken by the acquisition of DFDS Dan Transport Group, which led to a new era and strategy.
Not only did we strengthen our global network, we also entered new market segments. In addition to road transport services in Scandinavia, the UK, the Baltics and Europe, the acquisition secured a comprehensive logistics set-up as well as a key position within airfreight and overseas transports to the US and Asia Pacific markets.
In 2005 our position in the air and sea transport industry was further strengthened with the acquisition of J.H. Bachmann. The following year DSV acquired Frans Maas and advanced its position from being a Scandinavian player to being a true Pan-European road transport and logistics player.
With the acquisition of ABX LOGISTICS in 2008, DSV gained presence in South America and is present on all continents. Furthermore, we have strengthened our position in Europe, particularly in Italy, Germany, France and Spain.
Focus
To put focus on our different services and customer segments, DSV separated its operations into three divisions in 2001: Road, Air & Sea and Logistics. The services are being developed, interpreted and tailor-made to meet our customers’ increasing demands in respect of product solutions, prices and transit times.