Freshfields Advises Nippon Express Holdings in Acquisition of Simon Hegele.

Freshfields has successfully advised Nippon Express Holdings, Inc. in completing its acquisition of Simon Hegele, a leading logistics provider based in Germany. . The acquisition of SH HoldCo GmbH, known as Simon Hegele, was an all-cash deal, which involved the purchase of 100% of Simon Hegele’s shares from EMZ Partners and associated management entities. The deal, signed on September 30, 2024, was finalized on February 3, 2025, after securing the necessary regulatory approvals.

Nippon Express, one of the largest logistics firms in the world, operates a global network of over 900 locations across the globe. With its extensive history of over 80 years, the company continues to expand its international presence through strategic acquisitions. In addition to the Simon Hegele acquisition, Nippon Express had also purchased Cargo-Partner in January 2024, further strengthening its logistics services.

Simon Hegele, established in 1920, specializes in providing tailored logistics services for the healthcare sector, including warehousing, distribution, and installation of large medical equipment. Headquartered in Karlsruhe, Germany, Simon Hegele operates internationally across Europe, the USA, South America, Asia, and Australia. The company has built a strong customer base by offering a specialized logistics platform for industries in healthcare, retail, and industrial sectors.

Nippon Express views the healthcare sector as a critical area of growth, with its “NX Group Business Plan 2028 Dynamic Growth 2.0 ~ Accelerating Sustainable Growth ~” identifying it as a key focus. The acquisition of Simon Hegele will further bolster the group's capability in delivering comprehensive logistics services to the healthcare industry.

Philipp Pütz, partner at Freshfields in Düsseldorf, shared, “This transaction allows Nippon Express to tap into Simon Hegele’s scalable healthcare logistics platform and create synergies that will enhance its global network.”

The Freshfields team advising on the transaction was led by Tomoko Nakajima (Tokyo) and Philipp Pütz (Düsseldorf), with assistance from Vasco Ollero (Hamburg), Arnold Itagaki (Tokyo), and associates Henri Conze, Anna Eichner, and Burak Firat. The team also included Kaori Yamada (Tokyo) for antitrust matters and Philipp Redeker (Düsseldorf) for tax issues.

Nippon Express Holdings, Inc., founded in 1937 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a global logistics leader with over 900 locations worldwide. Offering services in transportation, warehousing, and supply chain management, the company serves industries like healthcare, automotive, and retail. With a focus on sustainable growth, Nippon Express combines organic expansion and strategic acquisitions to enhance its global network and operations, particularly in the healthcare sector.

Freshfields LLP is a global law firm with a rich history spanning over 280 years. Headquartered in London, it operates in major financial centres worldwide, offering expert legal services in areas such as corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, litigation, and antitrust. Known for its work with leading multinational corporations, financial institutions, and government entities, Freshfields combines deep sector expertise with a focus on delivering innovative solutions. The firm is committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and sustainability in its practice.

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