Yusen Logistics, a subsidiary of Japan’s NYK Group, is set to acquire the healthcare logistics division of the Walden Group, marking a significant step in the company’s global expansion strategy. The acquisition will be executed by Yusen Logistics (Europe) B.V. through the purchase of Movianto International B.V., following the signing of a put option agreement with Walden Group International Holding.
Completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and the conclusion of consultations with relevant European works councils, as required under EU labour legislation. Upon finalisation, Movianto will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Yusen Logistics Europe.
The Walden Group’s healthcare logistics division encompasses Movianto, Eurotranspharma, Transpharma International and Walden Digital. Operating from 138 sites across 12 European countries, the business delivers contract logistics, first-mile transportation, fourth-party logistics (4PL) and distribution services tailored to the pharmaceutical and medical sectors. Walden Digital further enhances the offering with proprietary technology, including an end-to-end supply chain visibility platform supporting temperature-controlled logistics.
Yusen Logistics has identified healthcare logistics as a strategic growth pillar and continues to build its global footprint in the medical and pharmaceutical supply chain. The integration of Walden’s operations will significantly expand its European presence and, combined with Yusen’s international reach, enable the delivery of higher-value, integrated services to healthcare clients worldwide.
The move aligns with NYK Group’s medium-term management plan, which designates logistics as a core business area. It follows two recent acquisitions in Europe: a UK-based e-commerce logistics platform in February and a Dutch automotive parts logistics firm in April.
This transaction marks the first global acquisition since Yusen Logistics Global Management assumed responsibility for the group’s international operations, reinforcing its central management role and accelerating the transformation of NYK’s global logistics business.