Ahold Delhaize’s online retailer operating in the Benelux countries, bol.com, has taken a majority stake in delivery company Cycloon. With its national network of bicycle couriers and postal delivery staff, Cycloon delivers mail and packages to thousands of customers throughout the Netherlands, employing 600 people with physical, mental or psychological barriers to participation in the labor market.
For bol.com, the partnership ensures that more of its orders can be delivered by bicycle, reducing the company’s carbon footprint. Cycloon will deliver items both from bol.com and from companies that store their inventory in its distribution centers. Cycloon’s current management will remain in place following completion of the deal, which is expected in the first half of 2022; financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“We are huge believers in Cycloon’s sustainable and social mission,” said Vincent Weijers, Director of Logistics & Operations/COO at bol.com in a statement. “At the same time, it is a unique opportunity for bol.com and its sales partners to accelerate the sustainability of our growing parcel delivery business and expand our delivery capacity. Moving towards a sustainable and socially responsible last mile is crucial for the future of ecommerce and we will continue to work with all our delivery partners to make this happen.”
“The partnership with bol.com gives us the opportunity to make an impact on a much larger scale,” said Marieke Snoek, Managing Director of Cycloon in a statement. “We will continue to invest in our people, network and partners and this will enable us to improve and further expand the services we provide to our current and new customers. In doing so, we discussed at length the principles we stand for and continue to stand for as organizations.”
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