DHL Group has acquired 100% of specialist life sciences courier company Cryopdp and formed a strategic partnership with Cryoport Inc. to strengthen supply chain services for the global life sciences and healthcare sectors.

According to DHL, the acquisition builds on its established life sciences and healthcare business – which generated €5bn (US$5.4bn) revenue in 2024 – and will enhance its capabilities in specialized pharma logistics.

The strategic partnership with Cryoport will bring together DHL’s global health logistics capabilities with Cryoport’s expertise in providing specialized solutions in a fast-growing life science and healthcare market segment. It also deepens DHL’s relationship with all the Cryoport business units with respect to specialized pharma.

Oscar de Bok, CEO of DHL Supply Chain, stated, “The acquisition of Cryopdp is a pivotal move for our supply chain business as we aim to expand our pharma specialized network to meet the evolving needs of clinical trials, biopharma and cell and gene therapies, in addition to increasing our footprint in the conventional pharma and life science healthcare segment.

“The acquisition of Cryopdp and the extended partnership with Cryoport Inc. will enable us to deliver integrated end-to-end solutions, enhancing our service capabilities.”

Jerrell Shelton, CEO of Cryoport, added, “We are indeed pleased to build on our trusted relationship with the DHL Group. Working together, we will bring an enhanced set of supply chain solutions to meet companies’ and patients’ critical supply chain needs.

“This strategic partnership taps into the strong expertise of DHL Supply Chain and Cryopdp, presenting a substantial opportunity for Cryoport to expand its reach to global growth markets such as Asia-Pacific and Europe, Middle East and Africa.”

Author Credits – Hazel King, Parcel and Postal technology International