Transuniverse Saves 282 Jobs in Ziegler Belgium Acquisition

Belgian logistics group Transuniverse Forwarding has taken over most of the activities of Ziegler Belgium, saving 282 of the 415 jobs at the bankrupt Brussels-based transport company, according to the CSC trade union. The acquisition, announced on Monday evening, covers seven sites across the country and represents a significant restructuring of Belgium’s logistics sector.

Bankruptcy and Swift Rescue

Ziegler, a 118-year-old logistics institution founded in Brussels in 1908, filed for bankruptcy on Monday, June 1, before the French-speaking enterprise court in Brussels. The bankruptcy covers four entities: Ziegler SA, Intertrans, Dornach, and Universal Express. The company had been experiencing financial difficulties for several months, primarily due to soaring fuel prices, and its French subsidiary was placed into liquidation in March 2026, affecting approximately 1,500 employees in France.

Within hours of the bankruptcy filing, Transuniverse Forwarding, a groupage specialist based in Wondelgem (East Flanders), announced it would take over most of Ziegler’s Belgian activities. The acquisition covers sites in Aalst, Antwerp, Brussels, Kontich, Rekkem, Welkenraedt, and Zeebrugge.

Job Preservation Exceeds Expectations

Philippe Lescot, regional manager of CSC Transcom, confirmed that 282 out of 415 jobs across Ziegler’s four Belgian entities will be saved — roughly two-thirds of the workforce. “Usually, we’re looking at around a third of jobs saved. Here, two-thirds, it’s rather a relief,” Lescot told VRT NWS. He was not yet able to specify the profile of the eliminated positions at the time of reporting.

Frank Adins, President of Transuniverse, emphasized the strategic value of the acquisition. “We are taking over 7 sites of Ziegler Belgium. This allows us to strengthen our presence in transport and distribution and significantly increase our logistics and customs activities,” Adins said. “Dozens of experienced employees will come to strengthen our organization, allowing us to maintain sharp expertise, know-how, and client relationships.”

Van Moer Logistics Acquires Air Freight Division

In a parallel transaction, Van Moer Logistics acquired Ziegler’s air freight division at Brussels Airport (Brucargo), preserving approximately 50 additional jobs, according to ACV union representative Hans Elsen. “This concerns almost everyone at Brucargo, with a few exceptions,” Elsen said.

Jo Van Moer, founder and CEO of Van Moer Logistics, explained the strategic rationale: “Air freight was the only forwarding service we could not yet offer our clients in-house. That has now changed. Many of our clients move goods by road, by water, and by air. From today, they can also come to us for their air freight.”

Strategic Growth for Transuniverse

Following the acquisition, Transuniverse’s revenue will grow by roughly one-third, from approximately €100 million to €135 million, according to Made in West-Vlaanderen. The company will have over 75,000 m² of warehouse and logistics space spread across strategic locations in Belgium. The acquisition adds customs, logistics, and maritime forwarding capabilities to Transuniverse’s existing groupage specialization.

Frank Adins highlighted the synergy potential, particularly the possibility of using the Welkenraedt site as a cross-docking platform for clients in Limburg and Wallonia serving German and Central and Eastern European destinations, bypassing congestion in Antwerp.

Broader Sector Context

The Ziegler bankruptcy and subsequent acquisitions occur against a backdrop of consolidation in the Belgian logistics sector. Other recent transactions include Gilbert De Clercq taking over Transport Dirk Verdoodt (May 2026), Serge Gregoir fully acquiring EUTRACO with a €10 million investment (May 2026), and H&M Logistics closing its distribution center in Ghlin, resulting in 440 job losses.

What’s Next

Union representatives are still assessing the precise number and profile of the 133 positions that will not be preserved. The Polish branches of Dornach and Intertrans will continue independently. Questions also remain about the fate of Ziegler’s international operations outside Belgium and France. The swift acquisitions by Transuniverse and Van Moer have, however, provided a measure of stability for the majority of Ziegler’s Belgian workforce, with the logistics sector continuing to consolidate in response to economic pressures.