Noerpel Group acquires ERKA, an international freight forwarding company.
- ERKA is one of Germany’s leading providers of import and export transport services.
- ERKA's 170 employees generated around €67 million in revenue in 2022.
- The acquisition strengthens Noerpel’s position in the German market and expands its international transport network.
Headquartered in Ulm, the Noerpel Group is continuing its strategic growth course with the retroactive acquisition of ERKA Internationale Spedition GmbH, effective from 1 January 2023. ERKA is located in one of Europe’s strongest economic regions and its long-standing international expertise will further strengthen Noerpel’s position in Germany, enhancing its European transport network, particularly on routes to and from Italy and Western Europe.
ERKA Internationale Spedition GmbH was founded in Stuttgart-Weilimdorf in 1977 by Erich Klaschka. Initially focusing on traffic to and from Italy, the company has steadily expanded its international network to include the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Austria, France, Poland, the Baltic States, Belgium, the Netherlands, Greece, and most recently Denmark, with onward connections to Scandinavia. Today, ERKA operates 65 direct European linehaul services. Handling more than 1,000 international shipments each day, ERKA serves 41 destinations daily across Italy, France, Spain and the United Kingdom, establishing itself as a market leader in these corridors. Noerpel customers will now benefit from this extensive network and high departure frequency.
A partnership built on trust:
The family-run companies Noerpel and ERKA have enjoyed a long-standing and successful partnership. 'We know and value one another, and our successful collaboration has been built on that foundation,' said Stefan Noerpel-Schneider, managing partner of the Noerpel Group. 'Erich Klaschka has established a leading market position for ERKA in Stuttgart. By integrating ERKA into the Noerpel Group, we are expanding our presence in southern Germany, strengthening our network structure, and enhancing our international transport capabilities significantly. At the same time, we are securing a strong future for ERKA.' ERKA owner and Managing Director Erich Klaschka, who plans to retire from active business during the course of the year, shares this view. ‘I am delighted to place my company in capable hands,’ said Klaschka. ‘I have come to know Stefan Noerpel-Schneider as an exceptionally reliable partner, and I am convinced that the corporate cultures of both organisations are an excellent fit. ERKA’s expertise will be a valuable asset in the continued growth of the Noerpel Group.”
Noerpel will retain all ERKA employees as part of the transaction, recognising the strength of the local team. Jürgen Bauer, who has managed ERKA alongside Erich Klaschka for many years, will remain as managing director to ensure continuity and stability for customers and employees alike.
Expanding European Transport Services
'One of our strategic priorities is to focus more on international transport,' added Stefan Noerpel-Schneider. ‘The combination with ERKA aligns perfectly with this objective and further strengthens our European network. Together with ERKA’s experienced team, we are expanding our import and export capabilities and continuing to grow as one of Germany’s leading logistics service providers.”
The Noerpel Group already handles over 2,500 international shipments daily across Europe. Through the integration of ERKA, the company will increase departure frequencies, offer additional destinations and provide shorter transit times. As a result, customers will benefit from an even higher level of service quality and network coverage.
The agreements relating to the acquisition of ERKA by the Noerpel Group were signed on 16 May 2023. The transaction remains subject to approval by the relevant antitrust authorities.