JBR M&A transaction

Kramer Group and QTerminals

JBR acted as M&A advisor to Kramer Group, a leading provider of integrated container logistics services with multiple strategic locations in the heart of the largest port in Europe, Rotterdam, and is the only independent multi-user depot in the Maasvlakte area.

JBR Corporate Finance's deal team consists of: Rick ter Maat, Alexander Beyleveldt, Melvin Zandstra and Boudewijn van der Hart.

Author: Rick ter Maat

Partner
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QTerminals acquires majority stake in Kramer Group.

JBR assisted Kramer Group shareholders throughout the process.

QTerminals (Qatar), an international terminal operator, has agreed to acquire a majority stake in the Kramer Group in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Kramer Group is a family business founded 60 years ago by Marcel Kramer Senior. Since then, the company has grown into a multi location depot and terminal company, with sites in Rotterdam's Eem-/Waalhaven and Maasvlakte.

The acquisition by QTerminals allows the company to join and have a presence in the largest port in Europe, strengthening the QTerminals Group position in Europe and other developed global markets.

Facts and figures

Kramer Group

Kramer Group is a leading provider of integrated container logistics services with multiple strategic locations in the heart of the largest port in Europe, Rotterdam, and is the only independent multi user depot in the Maasvlakte area.

The company operates at six different locations with network access to major terminals, five of which are located at the Maasvlakte and one at the Eem-/Waalhaven. It also offers three major transportation options via rail, water and road.

Kramer Group was founded in 1963 by Marcel Kramer Sr.
Originally started as a repair business, the company has grown into a depot and terminal business in multiple locations.
Andre Kramer joined the family business in 1996 before becoming CEO in 2005.
The company has an extensive customer base with long term relationships with many leading shipping companies.

QTerminals

QTerminals is a terminal company established by Qatar Ports Management Company (Mwani Qatar - 51% shareholding) jointly with Qatar Navigation (Milaha - 49% shareholding), and is responsible for facilitating the imports and exports of Qatar, maritime trade flows and stimulating economic growth at the local and regional levels.

Founded in 2016, with its operations in Hamad Port in Qatar.
In addition to Hamad Port, QTerminals has invested in the Port of Akdeniz in Turkey (January 2021) and the Port of Olvia in the Republic of Ukraine (December 2021).
To date, the company has handled more than 5.4 million TEUs, more than 12 million tons of general cargo and nearly 303,000 vehicle units (through RORO), all since operations began.
QTerminals continues its internationalization strategy with the acquisition of Kramer Group.

Qatar, Aug. 15, 2023

Press Release

QTerminals Group acquires majority stake in Kramer Holding B.V.

QTerminals Group (51% Qatar Ports Management Company Q.C.S.C (Mwani Qatar) and 49% Qatar Navigation Q.P.S.C (Milaha)) has acquired a majority stake in "Kramer Holding B.V.," a provider of integrated logistics and container services based at the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

The acquisition of Kramer Group marks an important milestone in the expansion of QTerminals. As the Port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe and a significant addition to successfully diversifying QTerminals Group's business. In addition, this acquisition reinforces QTerminals Group's commitment to contributing to the Qatar National Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the national economy and foreign investment.

The CEO of QTerminals, Mr. Neville Bissett, stated, "Kramer Group is an important strategic move for QTerminals as we will expand our presence to Europe's largest port. Kramer Group complements QTerminals, adding existing business operations, a robust value-creating service offering and a European network to QTerminals' portfolio.

Kramer Group has both a core and strategic interest for the Port of Rotterdam, as it complements the port's operations while having direct access to the Port of Rotterdam's deep-sea terminals.

The acquisition by QTerminals allows the company to join, and have a presence in, Europe's largest port, strengthening the QTerminals Group's position in Europe and other developed global markets.

The presence of QTerminals in the Port of Rotterdam is strategic and leading for both QTerminals Group in particular and the State of Qatar in general, as QTerminals Group's profile will become known in the largest European port.

"I am very excited about this important milestone in the journey of our family business, which was founded 60 years ago by my father. Today we mark the beginning of a new chapter by joining forces with QTerminals. I believe their expertise, resources and industry insights will allow us to expand our horizons and explore untapped opportunities. While retaining our culture, organization, core team and our commitment to providing high-quality services to our customers in virtually all areas of container logistics," said André Kramer, Kramer Group CEO.

Through the acquisition of Kramer Group, QTerminals will continue to develop its leading technical and operational know-how to enhance its potential as one of the leading providers of integrated container logistics services in Europe.

Kramer Group's development and growth in recent years are indicators of good corporate management and governance of the organization. "Following our review of the current organization, we are excited to retain and welcome Kramer's key management personnel and employees to QTerminals, including Mr. André Kramer, who will remain on as Chief Executive Officer," said Neville Bissett.