Logistics giant DHL, in partnership with Cryoport, has acquired CRYOPOP, a biopharma-focused specialty courier.
The company focuses specifically on clinical trials, and is responsible for the distribution of biopharmaceuticals, as well as cell & gene therapies.
Although DHL's life science and healthcare division raked in €5bn in global revenue during 2024, the distributor aims to strenghten its standing in this ever-growing sector — which Cryoport will further assist with.
By acquiring CRYOPDP, DHL will strengthen its specialised biopharmaceutical distribution capabilities, which is key as these medicines often need to be stored in highly specific conditions to ensure product quality.
CRYOPDP currently operates in 15 countries, handling more than 600,000 shipments per year.
To build on its specialised pharmaceutical network, DHL will utilise both the courier expertise of CRYOPDP and the global air network of DHL Express.
This move will also deepen DHL's relationship with Cryoport — specifically the offshoots that function in the specialised pharma space.
“The acquisition of CRYOPDP is a pivotal move for our supply chain business as we aim to expand our Pharma Specialised Network to meet the evolving needs of clinical trials, biopharma and cell & gene therapies, in addition to further increasing our footprint in the conventional pharma and life science healthcare segment," commented Oscar de Bok, CEO of DHL Supply Chain.
"The acquisition of CRYOPDP and the extended partnership with Cryoport will enable us to deliver integrated end-to-end solutions, enhancing our service capabilities.”
“Building on our trusted relationship with the DHL Group will bring an enhanced set of supply chain solutions to meet companies’ and patients’ critical supply chain needs," added Jerrell Shelton, CEO of Cryoport.
"This strategic partnership taps into the strong expertise of DHL’s Supply Chain and CRYOPDP, presenting a substantial opportunity for Cryoport to further expand its reach to global growth markets such as Asia Pacific (APAC) and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).”
According to DHL, this acquisition aligns with its 2030 strategy, which notes the cruciality of temperature control in its distribution networks, as well as specialty courier coverage and integrated solutions.
The move is also forecasted to reduce the company's costs, allowing it to better run its businesses in the EMEA and APAC regions.