DHL Group announced on September 1 that DHL Global Forwarding has acquired 100% of Uruguayan logistics and freight forwarding company Aero Cargas S.A., marking DHL’s first directly operated presence in Uruguay.

Aero Cargas will be integrated into DHL Global Forwarding’s regional operations, with all employees transferring to DHL. The company has more than 58 years of experience in air and ocean freight forwarding, project logistics, road transportation and customized multimodal services.

The acquisition will strengthen DHL’s capabilities in healthcare logistics, project cargo and regional distribution. Uruguay’s strategic location between transatlantic routes and South America’s inland waterways also provides access to important trade corridors linking MERCOSUR with North America.

DHL Global Forwarding CEO Oscar de Bok said establishing a direct presence in Montevideo would strengthen connectivity across the company’s Americas network. DHL also highlighted Uruguay’s growing role as a pharmaceutical distribution hub, with more than US$1 billion worth of pharmaceutical products moving through the country annually.

The acquisition supports DHL Group’s Strategy 2030 and follows its broader expansion in Latin America. Around 10% of DHL’s previously announced €2 billion investment program is expected to be allocated to the region.