Belgium’s logistics sector has witnessed the end of an era following the bankruptcy of one of its oldest and most recognizable freight and forwarding companies. Ziegler Belgium, a logistics group with more than a century of history in European transportation and supply chain services, has officially been declared bankrupt, leading to a major restructuring of its operations and placing hundreds of jobs in uncertainty.
The bankruptcy, confirmed by the Brussels Commercial Court on June 1, 2026, marks a significant development for the Belgian logistics and freight forwarding market. Following the court ruling, key parts of the company’s business have been acquired by Belgian logistics providers Transuniverse Forwarding and Van Moer Logistics, ensuring continuity for many customer operations while reshaping the competitive landscape.
Historic Logistics Group Succumbs to Financial Pressure
The collapse affects several entities within the Belgian Ziegler group, including Ziegler SA, Intertrans, Dornach and Universal Express. The insolvency follows mounting financial pressures across the wider Ziegler network and comes only months after the collapse of the group’s French operations, one of the most significant logistics insolvencies witnessed in France in recent years.
The failure of Ziegler France earlier in 2026 resulted in approximately 1,500 job losses and raised concerns regarding the financial stability of the group’s remaining operations. Industry observers had been closely monitoring developments in Belgium as signs of strain became increasingly apparent.
The bankruptcy filing effectively brings to a close more than 100 years of independent operations under the Ziegler name, a brand that has long been associated with freight forwarding, customs brokerage, logistics services, and international transportation across Europe.
Hundreds of Employees Face Uncertainty
The bankruptcy has significant implications for the workforce.
According to reports from Belgian media outlets and trade unions, approximately 400 employees are directly affected by the collapse, although some industry sources estimate that the number of jobs at risk could exceed 500.
Labour representatives have stated that preserving employment remains their immediate priority as negotiations continue with the acquiring companies regarding workforce integration.
While many employees may transition to the new operators acquiring parts of the business, the final number of retained positions has not yet been formally confirmed.
The outcome will be closely watched by the Belgian logistics sector, particularly given ongoing labour shortages in several transportation and warehousing segments.
Transuniverse Forwarding Acquires Core Logistics Network
The largest portion of Ziegler Belgium’s operations will be absorbed by Transuniverse Forwarding, a Ghent-based logistics company that has steadily expanded its presence in the Benelux freight market.
Under the agreement, Transuniverse will assume control of seven strategic locations previously operated by Ziegler Belgium, including facilities in Aalst, Antwerp, Brussels Expo, Kontich, Rekkem/LAR, Welkenraedt and Zeebrugge.
The acquisition significantly strengthens Transuniverse’s capabilities across transportation, logistics, customs services, distribution and maritime forwarding.
Industry reports indicate that the transaction could increase the company’s annual revenue from approximately €100 million to around €135 million, creating one of Belgium’s larger independently owned logistics operators.
Company leadership has highlighted the strategic importance of the acquired network, particularly the Welkenraedt facility, which could serve as a valuable freight consolidation and transshipment hub linking Belgium with Germany and Central and Eastern European markets.
The location offers an attractive alternative to the increasingly congested logistics corridors surrounding the Port of Antwerp, one of Europe’s busiest freight gateways.
Van Moer Logistics Expands Into Air Freight
In a separate transaction, Van Moer Logistics has acquired Ziegler Belgium’s air freight division, adding another important capability to its rapidly expanding logistics portfolio.
The acquired business operated as a certified IATA freight forwarding organization based at Brussels Airport and served a broad customer base across international air cargo markets.
Van Moer Logistics confirmed that all air freight activities will continue without interruption, ensuring continuity for existing customers and supply chain partners.
The acquisition further diversifies the company’s service offering, which already includes road transport, inland shipping, warehousing, terminal operations, container logistics, and value-added supply chain services.
Over recent years, Van Moer has emerged as one of Belgium’s fastest-growing logistics providers. The company now employs more than 2,200 people, operates a fleet of approximately 500 trucks and 15 inland vessels, and manages over 850,000 square metres of warehouse capacity across more than 40 locations nationwide.
The addition of dedicated air freight capabilities enhances its position as an integrated logistics provider capable of offering multimodal transportation solutions.
Reshaping Belgium’s Logistics Landscape
The breakup of Ziegler Belgium reflects broader structural changes occurring across the European logistics and freight forwarding sector.
Rising operating costs, increasing competition, digital transformation requirements, and evolving customer expectations are placing pressure on traditional logistics companies, particularly those with fragmented operations or limited scale advantages.
At the same time, stronger and better-capitalized logistics providers continue to pursue consolidation opportunities as they seek to expand market share and strengthen service portfolios.
For customers, the acquisitions by Transuniverse and Van Moer Logistics are expected to provide continuity of operations while potentially creating access to broader logistics networks and integrated supply chain solutions.
End of a Century-Old Brand
While key business activities will continue under new ownership, the bankruptcy effectively signals the disappearance of the Ziegler name from Belgium’s logistics landscape after more than a century of operations.
For generations, the company played a significant role in the development of freight forwarding, customs brokerage, warehousing, and transportation services across Belgium and Europe.
Its collapse represents a notable moment for the logistics industry, highlighting both the challenges facing traditional freight operators and the ongoing transformation of the global supply chain sector.
As Transuniverse Forwarding and Van Moer Logistics integrate the acquired operations, attention will now focus on employee retention, customer continuity, and the long-term impact of the restructuring on Belgium’s highly competitive logistics market.
