News

January 10, 2025

Acquisition of ATC Computer Transport & Logistics by global logistics operator Arvato approved by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC)

6th January 2025

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has given regulatory approval for the acquisition of ATC Computer Transport & Logistics, a tech-driven Irish company providing highly specialised transport, logistics, and technical services to hyperscale data operators, high-tech freight forwarders, and original equipment manufacturers worldwide, by Arvato, a leading global 3PL service provider specializing in supply chain management and e-commerce solutions and subsidiary of Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA.

Headquartered in Dublin, ATC has a footprint across Ireland, Europe and New Zealand, with major offices in Amsterdam, Frankfurt and London. Founded 45 years ago by Alan and Patricia Young and now led by their son Keith Young, ATC now employs over 280 people from over 31 nationalities, with plans to increase headcount to 300 by 2026, and add two further international offices. There are currently 40 open positions at the company.

Arvato offers handling services for the entire supply chain, with a keen focus on e-commerce, omnichannel distribution, classic logistics and transport solutions. In 2023, Arvato employed over 17,000 team members across 90+ locations worldwide, generating a revenue of €2.5 billion.

ATC has had a decades long working relationship with Arvato and by joining forces, this powerful partnership will now fulfil evolving client needs, drive growth and create a range of collaborative possibilities that will ensure the overall business remains at the forefront of advancements in the domestic and international logistics sector.

ATC, which will retain its brand name, will be integrated into Arvato as a standalone complimentary service to the wider business. Keith Young will continue to lead the ATC team and will also join Arvato’s international management team.

In 2024, ATC unveiled a landmark investment of €22.5 million over five years to support its companywide ‘Driving Green Strategy’ including the ongoing transition of its HGV fleet from traditional combustion engines to battery-electric power. The announcement, which was one of Ireland’s most significant private investments in a zero tailpipe emission transportation fleet, positions the business as a global leader in the Green Logistics sector. It is also an important milestone in ATC’s ambitious target of achieving net zero by 2030.

Keith Young, Managing Director of ATC, says:

“We’re delighted to receive regulatory approval to join forces with Arvato, a company that shares our core values of sustainability, a people-first approach, and a strong commitment to cultivating a positive company culture. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in ATC’s journey, and it positions us for continued growth on both a domestic and global scale.

As always, I’m grateful to our talented and dedicated team. I’m proud of everything we’ve achieved together over the last 45 years, and am looking forward to the new opportunities this next chapter will bring.

We have ambitious goals for the future, and I am confident that with the unwavering commitment of our team and the new perspectives Arvato will bring, we will achieve extraordinary success. I’m really looking forward to leading ATC through this exciting new chapter and working closer with Arvato to shape the future of logistics.”

Mitat Aydindag, President TECH at Arvato, says:

“The acquisition of ATC is an important step forward in our ambition to lead in dynamic and high-potential market segments. Together, we aim to set new standards in data centre services by combining ATC’s outstanding European network with Arvato’s global expertise, ensuring exceptional value for our customers around the world.

Our customers can look forward to even more innovative, seamless, and comprehensive solutions. This partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to excellence and innovation.”

Advisers to ATC during the process included John Bowe, Corporate Finance Partner, Mazars.

December 19, 2024

2024 in Reflection

As we conclude 2024, Alan and Keith Young took time to reflect on the highlights that made this year unforgettable for ATC.

Team Expansion

For those following us on LinkedIn, you have likely noticed our busy recruitment drive throughout the year as we expand our teams across Europe and beyond. We are proud to announce that ATC currently employs 280 people from over 31 nationalities, and that number continues to grow.

ATC continues active participation in several apprenticeship programs, opening doors for young individuals interested in learning about the supply chain and logistics industry while gaining practical, hands-on experience and employment opportunities. In March, we were delighted to participate in the supply chain careers fair as part of Supply Chain Skills Week, which aims to encourage students, new entrants, and career changers to consider education and careers in logistics and supply chain while inspiring industry-wide discussions on building resilient, future-proof, and sustainable supply chains.

In October, we also participated in the WorldSkills Ireland exhibition held at the RDS in Dublin, where we sponsored the Logistics and Freight Forwarding Skills Competition, providing an opportunity to present the exciting world of international logistics to eager young minds.

During this time, we celebrated our apprentice Ben McGrath’s winning a Silver Medal in the Competition under logistics and freight forwarding – well done again, Ben!

It would be remiss if we didn’t congratulate our Head of Digital Transformation and People Strategy, Drené Potgeiter, on her well-deserved Generation Apprenticeship Workplace Champions Award nomination. This recognition celebrates individuals like Drené, who genuinely impact the lives of apprentices through mentorship, skills development, and steadfast support. Drené’s dedication to creating a vibrant and empowering learning environment is inspiring and exemplifies the best in apprenticeship training. Congratulations, Drené!

Raising Our Profile

In addition to participating in career-focused trade shows, we seized opportunities to showcase our work at other industry events this year. Our first major event was the highly anticipated Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, arguably the UK’s most prominent road freight transport, distribution, and logistics gathering.

We also returned to Data Centre World in Frankfurt, allowing our team to catch up with clients, colleagues, and peers while discussing our expanding range of services in the industry.

Most recently, our Head of Green Logistics, Rainer Hörbst, was invited to speak at the Electric Vehicle Summit and Awards held in Dublin, allowing us to share the tangible results we have achieved with our sustainable fleet.

Networking

Recognising the importance of networking, sharing knowledge, and building relationships in our industry, ATC proudly joined several networks this year, including:

Dutch Datacentre Network

German Datacentre Network

Smart Freight Centre

We look forward to attending events and connecting with our fellow members in 2025.

Giving Back

In March, we held a bake sale in our Dublin office supporting Daffodil Day to raise vital funds for cancer services in Ireland. Thanks to the generosity of our teams, we raised €1,000 for this worthy cause while enjoying delicious treats!

Recently, we collaborated again with AWS in Communities, where our team and several local businesses came together to support Crosscare Community Food Services. It was all hands on deck as we packed food for distribution to families in need. Keeping our sustainability hat on, we also repurposed leftover cardboard packaging for the Step in Stones project.

Driving with Volta

ATC partnered with Volta Trucks in April to deliver the Volta Zero to our London office. This marked the initiation of customer trials for the all-electric Volta Zero across Europe and signified a pivotal moment in our journey toward greener transportation solutions. The Volta Zeros have now joined ATC’s existing green fleet, operating from our hub in Weybridge and serving clients throughout London.

Pictured below is James Carter and some of the Volta team taken during the summer ahead of our participation in the impressive Volta Rally from London to Geneva!

EV Launch Day

On August 30th, we announced a landmark investment of €22.5 million over five years to support our company-wide ‘Driving Green Strategy.’ This investment includes the ongoing transition of our HGV fleet from traditional combustion engines to battery-electric power.

This announcement marks one of Ireland’s most significant private investments in a zero tailpipe emission transportation fleet, positioning our business as a global leader in the Green Logistics sector. It is also a crucial milestone in ATC’s ambitious goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2030.

We invite you to take a moment to watch our highlights video from the launch day, where we were joined by key stakeholders from Ireland and Europe, including representatives from government and transport bodies, all supporting the advancement of green transportation.

Looking ahead, 2025 is set to be a monumental year for the company. As you will see in our previous blog post, we have just signed an agreement to be acquired by Arvato, a leading global 3PL service provider specialising in supply chain management and e-commerce solutions subject to the Competitions Authority approval.

We look forward to informing you about all the highlights that unfold, moving as one.

Alan and Keith Young

November 27, 2024

ATC signs agreement to be acquired by global logistics operator Arvato

Press Release

Date 26/11/2024

ATC Computer Transport & Logistics, a tech-driven Irish company providing highly specialised transport, logistics, and technical services to hyperscale data centre operators, high-tech freight forwarders, and original equipment manufacturers worldwide, has been acquired by Arvato, a leading global 3PL service provider specializing in supply chain management and e-commerce solutions and subsidiary of Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA. The figure relating to the acquisition is not being disclosed and the deal is subject to customary regulatory approvals in Ireland.

ATC has had a decades long working relationship with Arvato and by joining forces, this powerful partnership will fulfil evolving client needs, drive growth and create a range of collaborative possibilities that will ensure the overall business remains at the forefront of advancements in the domestic and international logistics sector.

Earlier this year, ATC unveiled a landmark investment of €22.5 million over five years to support its companywide ‘Driving Green Strategy’ including the ongoing transition of its HGV fleet from traditional combustion engines to battery-electric power. The announcement, which was one of Ireland’s most significant private investments in a zero tailpipe emission transportation fleet, positions the business as a global leader in the Green Logistics sector. It is also an important milestone in ATC’s ambitious target of achieving net zero by 2030.

Keith Young, Managing Director of ATC, says:

“This announcement marks a significant milestone in our growth journey, and aligns perfectly with our core values of sustainability, a people-first approach, and a strong commitment to cultivating a positive company culture. Our team has always been at the heart of our success, and I’m delighted that I will continue to work alongside them as we build on everything we’ve already achieved together. We will continue to invest in our people, because it is their passion and dedication that will fuel our success as we navigate this next chapter.

We have ambitious plans for the future, and this acquisition will help accelerate our progress. With 40 open roles currently available, we are focused on continuing to attract top talent who share our passion for excellence. This is a time of tremendous opportunity, and I am confident that, with the continued dedication of our current team and the fresh perspectives Arvato will bring, we will achieve remarkable success. I’m looking forward to the many exciting opportunities ahead.”

Mitat Aydindag, President TECH at Arvato, says:

‘An important step in a rapidly growing market.’

‘The planned acquisition of ATC Computer Transport & Logistics is a significant milestone in our strategy to develop new growth areas. Our joint portfolio will enable us to offer more comprehensive and innovative services to our customers worldwide. With the combination of our global expertise and the strong network of ATC Computer Transport & Logistics, we are strengthening our position in a dynamic market segment.’

Advisers to ATC during the process included John Bowe, Corporate Finance Partner, Mazars.

November 5, 2024

Insights from Our Managing Director, Keith Young, on the Enterprise Ireland Leadership 4 Growth Programme

Recently, we sat down with Keith to learn more about the Enterprise Ireland Leadership 4 Growth programme that he completed. We explored how this programme has influenced ATC Computer Logistics & Transport as a business and his management style.

Tell us about the Leadership 4 Growth programme?

Sure, Enterprise Ireland runs the Leadership 4 Growth programme for CEOs of growing companies, It equips them with the leadership skills and strategic insight necessary to scale their businesses both domestically and internationally. The programme offers a comprehensive blend of workshops, coaching, experiential learning, and invaluable networking opportunities that is backed by serious academic rigour delivered by the IESE business school in Barcelona.

Why did you decide to participate in the Leadership 4 Growth programme?

Taking over as Managing Director for my family business was exciting but challenging. While I have an intrinsic understanding of the business having been involved from an early age, I also recognised that we had bold ambitions for the future that needed to be formalised and that we needed to be open to some innovative perspectives from peers and other business leaders who have ‘walked the walk”, so to speak.

What sets this programme apart for you from others?

For me, the Leadership 4 Growth programme is the only one in Ireland tailored for executive development, specifically for global business expansion. Its international recognition as a leading executive development programme was a major draw for me, and it is recognised as one of the leading executive development programmes globally.

Another reason the programme appealed to me was that ATC has a strong relationship with Enterprise Ireland, and I greatly appreciated their support and expertise. For example, In June 2022, we were proud to be one of a small number of Irish businesses asked to participate in the Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission in Frankfurt, where a delegation visited our Operations HQ.

Reading case studies from previous participants also showed me that this programme had an excellent track record for delivering results.

Did you have any key objectives when you set out to do this course?

Absolutely, a couple.

From a business perspective, we aimed to bring ATC to a global stage while scaling our team carefully and strategically. However, we needed a clear roadmap to translate our ambition into simple, actionable steps for the entire team.

One of my priorities was building a leadership team capable of overseeing the growing and diverse functions of the business, teams and services.

I sought advice on the best tools to implement to support our teams. Even seemingly minor changes, like introducing Microsoft PowerPlatform, has revolutionised our internal processes and communications. As a company with a reputation for exceeding our client’s expectations, we had to do the same for our team and our own business.

Lastly, on a personal level, I wanted clarity on the direction of the business and the role I needed to play as Managing Director. Participating in this programme has afforded me a unique opportunity to learn from peers facing similar challenges, which reassured me that we were on the right path.

Can you tell us about any key highlights of participating in the course, e.g., a trip to New York City?

Some of the standout moments on the programme were the trips to Barcelona, Munich and New York where we got to be fully present for entire weeks at a time. The team from IESE were strict on getting us to disconnect from day-to-day work and immerse ourselves in the tour programme, group activities, and interactive events with visiting CEOs. It’s fair to say that as our cohort, we connected more and more, and learned as much from each other as from the formal sessions. Hearing of common challenges and sharing solutions that have worked elsewhere was eye-opening and empowering. By the time we got to the last week in New York, we were a tight-knit group, able to share openly, give fair advice (and even critique).

How has this programme supported the strategic planning in ATC as you drive towards being a global business?

The Strategic Growth Plan developed through the programme has given us the roadmap and step-by-step actions to drive forward agreed-upon KPIs, which hold us all accountable. The KPIs have greatly supported us in making data-driven business decisions, and we can iterate as needed based on real-time results.

The Strategic Growth Plan helped me create the Leadership Team we now have in place with their own responsibilities that align with the ‘big picture’ of the business.

Additionally, we are just at the final stages of developing our revised brand mission, vision, and values, which reflect the SGP. We look forward to sharing this very soon.

We have also expanded our range of services and reached that all-important milestone of operating beyond Europe, which we will also share more about soon.

Most recently, we held a very special event in our Dublin HQ to mark the launch of our EV fleet. On the day, we announced our commitment to spend €22.5 million over five years across our operations, primarily targeted at our trucks to support in our goal of being carbon neutral by 2030. You can read this story in full over on The Irish Times.

What would you say to someone considering participating in the L4G programme?

I encourage anyone who is considering the L4G to go for it. Participating in this programme has helped us to solidify our ambitions and make strides towards reaching those goals.

On a personal note, it has given me the clarity and confidence to deliver on the big ideas we have always had, and I couldn’t be more excited about the business’s future.

I want to take this opportunity to thank our mentors, my fellow participants, and friends for their support, as well as the whole team at ATC for sharing this vision and working with the leadership team and myself to make it happen.

Together, we move forward.

September 3, 2024

Listen to Keith Young on Down to Business with Bobby Kerr

Listen back to Keith Young, PhD, on Newstalk’s Down to Business with Bobby Kerr, where he spoke about growing up in the family business, completing a PhD in Mobile Learning, and ATC’s latest milestone investment in Electric Vehicles 🚛

https://www.goloudplayer.com/episodes/486049?%24deeplink_path=podcast%2F36%2F486049&%24og_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goloudplayer.com%2Fepisodes%2F486049&%24og_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goloudplayer.com%2F&_branch_match_id=1359529252729995439&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA6WO0QrDIAxFv8Y96mht2QZl9GW%2FIaKhSt0SNEX297V729tgcAkknBxuYKZyU4r8ELW0RDLF16ruotMegI7FkOUwEXpnC4vu0Y9t6Mt41tfTBysrI5ktpykcNtHPDWiptcoFE26ekn1Dlg6f7QwUC7avLwsuJoOPGRz%2FZ%2Fm5xg4FBnMD%2BgAAAA%3D%3D

September 2, 2024

ATC announces landmark €22.5 million investment to support transition of global transportation fleet to zero emission Heavy Goods Vehicles over next five years

ATC has unveiled a landmark investment of €22.5 million over five years to support its companywide ‘Driving Green Strategy’ including the ongoing transition of its HGV fleet from traditional combustion engines to battery-electric power.

The announcement, which is one of Ireland’s most significant private investments in a zero tailpipe emission transportation fleet, positions the business as a global leader in the Green Logistics sector. It is also an important milestone in ATC’s ambitious target of achieving net zero by 2030.

As part of the announcement, ATC has recently taken delivery of five state-of-the-art battery-electric Volvo HGVs and two additional Volkswagen ID. Buzz’s for their Irish cloud logistics and technical services operations, adding to their European fleet of 142 vehicles. Four further battery-electric Volvo HGVs have also been integrated into the European fleet.

ATC availed of the Zero Emission Heavy Duty Vehicle (ZEHDV) Purchase Grant Scheme, funded by the Department of Transport and administered by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, to support the acquisition of battery-operated HVGs for the Irish-based fleet. The €500,000 grant is awarded to facilitate companies and enterprises who wish to purchase zero-emission HGVs.

Headquartered in Dublin, ATC has a footprint across Ireland, Europe and New Zealand, with major offices in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and London. Employing over 250 people from over 31 nationalities, the business plans to increase headcount to 300 by 2026, and add two further international offices.

As pioneers in the cloud logistics and technical services industry, ATC has significantly strengthened its commitment to its ‘Driving Green Strategy’ this year to create a more sustainable business model for the future. The business has grown its ‘Driving Green Strategy’ to assist clients in reaching their own sustainable goals by reducing emissions across services and decarbonising the final mile of customers’ supply chain.

The ‘Driving Green Strategy’ is designed to help ATC clients gain visibility of their carbon emissions in their Scope 3 emissions for subcontracted transport and logistics services. ATC works with clients to design decarbonisation strategies, ranging from strategic supply chain management and sustainable warehousing, to alternative fuels, zero emissions, and waste and recycling management. The ‘Driving Green Strategy’ enables clients to implement emissions reduction options into their operations without constraining business growth.

Keith Young, Managing Director of ATC, says: “Today’s announcement is a significant milestone for ATC, and we are incredibly proud to be at the forefront of a more sustainable future in the logistics industry. Since ATC was founded 45 years ago, customer service, quality, and innovation have been at the heart of what we do and now, with these investments, sustainability is also at the very heart of what we do.

By integrating state-of-the-art battery-electric vehicles into our operations, we are reducing our environmental impact and enhancing the efficiency of our services across Ireland and Europe. ATC will continue to be an important partner for our clients as we continue working together to meet their sustainability goals by decarbonising the final mile of their supply chains.”

Rainer Hoerbst, Head of Green Logistics at ATC, says: “ATC’s investment in zero tailpipe emission vehicles is a significant step towards meeting our net zero 2030 targets. The addition of five new battery electric Volvo HGVs to our global fleet positions us at the forefront of green logistics both at a national and international level. ATC is aligning with global environmental standards and setting new Green Logistics targets.

By transitioning to a greener fleet, we are helping our data centre clients to decarbonise their supply chain, showcasing that a more sustainable business model is possible for the logistics business. It also proves for our business that decarbonisation can be decoupled from economic growth. As a result, we look forward to seeing this investment’s positive impact on our operations and clients.”

James Lawless, Minister of State at the Department of Transport and at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, says: “This significant investment by ATC is a strong testament to the private sector’s role in driving Ireland’s transition to a low carbon economy. The move towards zero emission HGVs is crucial in achieving Ireland’s climate goals, and it’s encouraging to see industry leaders, like ATC, take proactive steps to be more sustainable. This announcement not only supports our national sustainability targets but also sets a benchmark for others in the transport and logistics sector.”

Associated Media Coverage:

https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2024/0830/1467374-atc-invests-22-5m-in-zero-emissions-hgvs/

https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2024/08/30/transport-firm-atc-to-spend-225m-on-cutting-carbon/

https://www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/atc-hgv-fleet-electric-net-zero-investment/

ATC: Data centre booms and decarbonising the supply chain

ATC switching to electric HGV fleet as part of €22.5m green investment

Transport firm ATC to invest €22.5 million in battery electric heavy goods vehicles

Acquisition of ATC Computer Transport & Logistics by global logistics operator Arvato approved by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC)