British parcel company Evri is attracting interest from major players in the global e-commerce landscape, with Chinese retail giant JD.com emerging as a potential bidder, Reuters reported.
According to sources familiar with the matter, JD.com is among several companies that have progressed to the second round of bidding after submitting a non-binding offer last month.
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Evri, formerly known as Hermes, is currently owned by private equity business Advent International (75%) and German mail-order company Otto Group (25%).
The company is estimated to be valued at around £2bn ($2.55bn), including debt, and its owner, Advent, is exploring various options, including a potential sale.
JD.com’s interest in Evri signifies a growing focus on the European market by Chinese e-commerce players.
The company already has a partnership with Evri, aimed at facilitating European brands’ entry into the vast Chinese market.
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By GlobalDataThis potential acquisition could be a strategic move for JD.com to expand its logistics network in Europe and further streamline cross-border e-commerce operations.
According to Reuters, JD.com faces competition from other heavyweights in the bidding process.
Specifically, Polish parcel locker company InPost and Cainiao, the logistics arm of Alibaba Group, are reportedly in the second stage of bidding alongside JD.com.
Additionally, private equity business Apollo Global Management is another contender.
The interest from these established logistics players reflects the growing importance of robust delivery networks in the competitive e-commerce landscape.
Evri’s extensive reach within the UK market makes it an attractive proposition for companies seeking to expand their European footprint.
While the outcome of the bidding process remains uncertain, JD.com’s involvement underscores the growing international ambitions of Chinese e-commerce giants.
The acquisition of Evri, if successful, could significantly reshape the European delivery market.
