Sitra Group Belgium acquires Albert Keijzer Zaandam.
On February 28th, the management of Albert Keijzer and Sitra Group from Belgium signed the agreement for the acquisition of Albert Keijzer. With this acquisition, Albert Keijzer aims to ensure long-term continuity. Both Sitra and Albert Keijzer are family businesses with shareholders from the third generation.
Sitra, the specialist in food logistics, was founded in 1962 and operates in 12 countries. With a turnover of €250 million, Sitra employs approximately 2,000 people and has a fleet of 1,000 tractors and 2,500 trailers.
Albert Keijzer celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021 and is led by Rob de Visser (CEO), Jos Baltes (technical manager), and Angela Ross (CFO). The company, with an annual turnover of €25 million, has an excellent operational and financial track record. Albert Keijzer employs 150 staff members and owns 120 tractors, 270 trailers, its own washing station, and a workshop.
Long-standing relationship as the foundation for acquisition talks
Rob de Visser: “We look forward to the collaboration between these two logistics pioneers. Generations ago, the Saelens family already visited Albert Keijzer, when it was still under the leadership of Co Keijzer. It was precisely this long-standing relationship that formed the foundation for talks between the two parties. Since continuity is of great importance to our company and employees, Sitra was the ideal partner to provide this certainty. Thanks to Sitra's scale and ambitious future plans, we can strengthen ourselves in a much more competitive market by utilizing the knowledge, expertise, and capacity of a reliable partner. We are convinced that both parties can learn a lot from each other. This presents a great opportunity to collaborate on optimal transport performance – something that is in the best interest of our customers.”
Birger de Smet, CEO Europe and CCO of Sitra: “Drive, passion, dedication, and experience – the four core values of Sitra – perfectly align with those of Albert Keijzer. Thanks to Keijzer's impeccable reputation and expertise, I am confident that this acquisition will have a positive impact on our entire Group. It will allow us to better support our customers. I am looking forward to welcoming all Keijzer employees with open arms into our family, with an open mind to learn from each other.” The Sitra Group is owned by the Saelens family and Creafund, an investment company that has been involved in Sitra since 2021.
Albert Keijzer, an icon in food logistics
David Saelens, Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sitra Group: “Sitra Group is pleased to announce the acquisition of Albert Keijzer. Everyone knows that our Group is focused on sustainable growth, and this acquisition fits 100% with our strategy. Keijzer is an icon in food logistics and is a renowned and reliable partner. The importance of this deal for our Group cannot be overstated. Everything aligns, even our colors.”
To ensure continuity, Sitra emphasizes that the daily operations at Albert Keijzer will remain unchanged. Rob de Visser, Jos Baltes, Angela Ross, and the other employees will remain in their current positions. David Saelens from Sitra: “We have followed the same approach in our acquisitions over the past few years, and we have seen that this is a recipe for success. Our goal is to reach a turnover of EUR 300 million by the end of this year, and this acquisition brings us one step closer.”
