Building a Global Logistics Powerhouse
Agility began its journey in freight forwarding and logistics as a GCC-based warehousing provider. By 2021, when Agility sold its Global Integrated Logistics (GIL) business, GIL had evolved into one of the world’s top 20 freight forwarders, generating more than $4 billion in annual revenue and operating as a global industry leader.
M&A and Organic Growth
GIL was built through a series of acquisitions that began in 2004. Agility acquired more than 40 established logistics companies around the world, then unified them under the Agility GIL brand to form a network that grew to more than 550 offices in over 100 countries.
Emerging Markets Leader
One of the things that made GIL different was its ability to help customers unlock high-growth emerging markets in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Latin America. GIL invested in emerging markets infrastructure, introduced third-party logistics and valued-added services, forged strong local relationships, and responded quickly to help customers navigate changing market conditions.
GIL offered access to fast-growing markets without the risk and capital outlay typically associated with them. Its client roster grew to include the world’s biggest multi-nationals – brands such as Siemens, GE, P&G, Daimler, Aramco, Nestle and Samsung – and more than 50,000 small and medium-sized companies.
Specialised Logistics Highlights
Agility’s vision was to build a fully integrated logistics company. So in addition to ocean, air and road freight, GIL offered highly specialized contract logistics services such as management of vendors, inventory and warehouse operations.
Agility GIL Project Logistics built a supply chain to support construction of an LNG pipeline through the rugged Papua New Guinea highlands; moved giant refinery modules from China to the Netherlands; and maneuvered the Space Shuttle-ferrying jumbo jet through city streets in Houston, Texas for its decommissioning.
Agility’s Fairs & Events team managed more than 1,000 major trade fairs, exhibitions and events each year, including on-site logistics for Formula One races in Asia and the Middle East.
Agility Chemicals was among the world leaders in the dangerous and highly specialized shipping and handling of chemicals and bulk commodities.
Agility GIL’s life sciences team provided critical services and expertise during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company moved 60,000 COVID tests from Europe to UAE for rapid processing; shipped 1.2 million doses of vaccine for a government customer in Southeast Asia; and sourced and shipped tons of PPE and medical equipment across the world – including 45 tons to Ireland and 23 tons of glass vials for a healthcare company operating in Brazil and Italy.
GIL Acquisition by DSV
In recent years, a fragmented logistics industry began to consolidate as global players realized the power and necessity of scaling freight volumes. That trend prompted Agility’s discussions with one of the industry’s leaders, much-admired DSV, based in Denmark.
In 2021, Agility sold GIL to DSV in an all-shares transaction with an enterprise value of USD 4.775 billion on close.
Agility's Stake in DSV
As of Q2 2025, Agility is one of the largest shareholders in DSV with a ~8% stake.
DSV Continues to Grow
Meanwhile, DSV became the world’s largest logistics provider upon completion of its announced acquisition of DB Schenker in 2025.
A Legacy to be Proud of
Our DSV stake continues yielding returns for Agility shareholders. And Agility’s expertise as a major logistics provider yielded its own returns for DSV, which expanded in the Gulf and is focused on leadership areas that were priorities for GIL: supply chain automation and digitization, e-commerce services, and sustainability.
It’s a legacy we are proud of.
