Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) has acquired a majority share in Roland Spedition GmbH (Roland), a prominent player in hinterland transport for containers in Austria.
Under the agreement, HHLA will secure 51 per cent ownership, while the existing co-shareholders, Christian Gutjahr and Nikolaus Hirnschall, will retain 49 per cent and continue to steer the company’s operations.
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Roland Spedition GmbH handles around 130,000 TEU annually and promotes environmental sustainability by shifting towards rail transport. The company operates across Central and Southern Europe, connecting major ports to hinterland destinations.
HHLA intends to integrate Roland’s services into its extensive European network, comprising seaport terminals in Hamburg, Tallinn, Trieste, and Odessa, alongside intermodal hinterland connections and inland terminals.
This collaboration aims to provide customers with tailored, eco-friendly transport solutions across Europe.
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“Managing Directors Christian Gutjahr and Nikolaus Hirnschall have developed Roland into a ‘best-in-class’ service provider for intermodal, climate-friendly transport as well as a reliable partner for its international customers and the Port of Hamburg,” said Angela Titzrath, CEO of HHLA.
“Roland is thus an extraordinary addition to our existing service portfolio in the European intermodal market and decisively strengthens the connection between the Port of Hamburg and the important Austrian market. We intend to continue this success story together.”
Shareholders and Managing Directors of Roland Spedition, Christian Gutjahr and Nikolaus Hirnschall, added: “For us, the focus is on the long-term perspective for our company, our customers and our employees – HHLA’s investment creates this perspective.
“We have known HHLA for approximately 40 years as a solid and reliable business partner, and we look forward to deepening this cooperation and continuing to develop our business together with HHLA. We will also continue to be a neutral and reliable partner for our customers.”
The completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, particularly concerning competition law.
