- This acquisition is the 5th add-on acquisition since Argos´ investment in 2021 and another transformational transaction following the acquisition of Suttons in 2024, which strengthened Schenk´s position in the UK.
- The integration of Franz Fischer Spedition GmbH reinforces the Group’s footprint in the DACH region and expands its expertise with the transportation of liquid sulfur.
Schenk Tanktransport, one of the leading tank transport companies in Northwest Europe, announces the acquisition of Franz Fischer Spedition GmbH, a German logistics provider specialised in the transport of liquid chemicals.
Following this transaction, Schenk reaches approximately €500 million in revenues and employs around 2,900 people. The Group operates a fleet of more than 1,500 tractor units, 1,750 owned trailers and 1,000 tank containers.
Accelerating international growth
Following a successful management transition in 2024, Schenk’s strategic focus is to further accelerate topline growth, notably through a targeted international buy-and-build strategy.
“This acquisition is part of Schenk’s plan to expand internationally by leveraging strong local platforms alongside Schenk’s operational expertise,” explained Maarten Meijssen, Partner at Argos. “At the same time, Franz Fischer Spedition’s experience in specific product segments opens up new growth opportunities across Schenk’s existing markets.”
Entry into a new specialty segment
Franz Fischer Spedition GmbH operates in product segments familiar to Schenk. The company specializes in the tank transport of hazardous goods, with a particular focus on liquid chemicals for industry and trade. For more than 75 years, Franz Fischer Spedition has developed innovative, customer centric logistics‑ solutions in close cooperation with its customers, offering transportation services throughout Europe and the UK. The company will be integrated into Schenk’s European Road Transport Specialty Chemicals division.
A strategic combination creating commercial synergies
The combination offers multiple synergy opportunities, including:
- cross-selling across complementary customer bases and deeper network integration
- access to well-located sites in the DACH region allowing accelerated expansion in the region
- joint purchasing of equipment and supplies
- coordinated recruitment initiatives
Franz Fischer Spedition operates a well-maintained, high-quality fleet, fully aligned with Schenk’s quality and safety standards. The company also adds valuable operational capabilities, including in-house tank cleaning facilities (a new capability for the Group), value-added services, and a fully equipped workshop. The company´s sites spread over Germany and Switzerland will be integrated in the Schenk operations and will allow Schenk to accelerate the growth of its existing Road Transport activities within the DACH region.
Franz Fischer Spedition benefits from long-standing customer relationships, resulting in high client loyalty, minimal customer churn and resilient revenues. There is a clear opportunity for Schenk to further unlock Franz Fischer’s growth potential through a more active commercial approach.
Marcel Claessen, CEO of Schenk Tanktransport, added: “The acquisition of Franz Fischer further strengthens Schenk’s positioning as a leading tank transport company in Northwest Europe. Franz Fischer Spedition brings outstanding technical expertise and a strong reputation among premium business relations. Together, we will be able to offer even more reliable, safe and tailor-made solutions to our customers.”
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Argos team: Maarten Meijssen, Arne Louwagie, Audrey De Vreese and Lisa Petermeijer
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Argos Fund
Coralie Cornet
Head of Communications
[email protected]
+33 (0)6 14 38 33 37
Schenk Tanktransport
Marcel Claessen
CEO Schenk Tanktransport
[email protected]
+31 53 917 140
About Argos / argos.fund
One firm, two strategies. Argos is an independent European private equity group that supports the growth of mid-sized businesses and backs their management teams.
With over 2.3bn€ assets under management, 35 years of experience and more than 100 businesses assisted, Argos operates from offices in Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, Geneva, Luxembourg, Milan, and Paris. The group seeks to acquire majority stakes and invests between €15m and €100m in each investment of its two strategies:
- the Argos Mid-Market fund unlocks business potential and helps companies make it to the next level;
- the Argos Climate Action fund aims at shaping European sustainable leaders by accelerating their ‘grey-to-green’ transition.
About Schenk
Schenk is a leading tank transport company in North‑West Europe, specialising in the transport of liquid food, liquid chemicals, gases and (bio)fuels. After this acquisition, the company employs more than 2,900 people, generates annual revenues of approximately €500 million and operates sites across Europe. Its head office is located in Papendrecht (the Netherlands), with additional locations in Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and the United Kingdom.
In 2021, independent private equity firm Argos acquired a majority stake in Schenk as part of a succession plan. Schenk continues to grow both organically and through selective acquisitions.
About Franz Fischer Spedition GmbH
Franz Fischer Spedition GmbH is a family owned company with over 75 years of experience in the tank transport of liquid and dry bulk chemicals across continental Europe and the United Kingdom. The company employs more than 220 people and operates over 100 tractor units, 160 trailers and 45 containers. It also operates its own workshop and a tank cleaning facility certified for both chemical and food products, with locations in Germany and Switzerland.
