SüdBG acquires shares in Sovereign Speed
Hamburg/Stuttgart, June 3, 2022 – Sued Beteiligungen GmbH (SuedBG), Stuttgart, acquires shares in Sovereign Speed Holding GmbH in order to support the Company's further growth. The current shareholders Karim El-Sayegh and Martin Araman will remain significant shareholders in the future. Long-time CEO Frank Liebelt will also join the group of shareholders as part of the transaction.
The Sovereign Speed Group, founded in 1998, is a unique B2B premium provider of urgent freight in Europe. In addition to its core business, a scheduled European overnight network ("airline on the road"), the integrated service portfolio includes a wide range of express and handling services along the logistics value chain. With around 770 employees at 14 locations throughout Europe, the Company generates sales of over 100 million euros.
Together with SuedBG it is planned to further expand the leading European market position through reliable, economical and integrated logistics services. Existing values, such as the sustainability initiative #ourwaytozero, the strong corporate culture and innovation spirit will be further promoted and strengthened.
Karim El-Sayegh and Martin Araman, the two founders, explain: "In the last few months, we have been working intensively on setting the right directions for the Company's future. With SuedBG, specialized in the long-term support of midcap companies, we have found the right, experienced partner who will support the future strategic development of Sovereign. Together we have decided on a cooperative partnership in which proven structures will be retained and leadership continuity is ensured."
Frank Liebelt comments: "With SuedBG as an additional strong partner in the Sovereign family, I am looking forward to working with the team on the consistent continuation of our growth strategy focusing on additional regions and services, expanding our customer network and strengthening our integrated service approach.
Gunter Max and Alexandros Kozas from SüdBG add: "We are investing in a leading midcap company that is recognized by its customers as a true value-add partner in the context of solving supply chain challenges. We are impressed by Sovereign's stringent customer focus, the flexibility as well as the intelligently developed service portfolio and look forward to implementing the further growth strategy in partnership with the entire Sovereign team."
Sued Beteiligungen GmbH (SuedBG), being headquartered in Stuttgart, is a 100% subsidiary of Landesbank Baden-Württemberg (LBBW) supporting medium-sized companies for more than 40 years with customized equity and equity-related solutions in the context of succession plans, growth financing and changes in the shareholder structure.
The transaction is still subject to antitrust approvals. The parties have agreed to keep transaction details confidential.