Gaston Schul Expands European Trade Network with Key Acquisitions in Italy and Austria
Venlo, Monday, 1 June 2026.
On June 1, 2026, Gaston Schul acquired firms in Italy and Austria, offering multinational businesses a unified solution to navigate complex European supply chains amid impending customs reforms.
Expanding the Continental Footprint
On May 31, 2026, Gaston Schul officially expanded its European network by acquiring Parodi Forwarding S.r.l. in Italy and Markart & Schmid Zollservice OG in Austria [1]. This strategic maneuver was accompanied by the scaling of existing operations in Łódź, Poland, and St Louis, France [1]. By bringing Markart & Schmid Zollservice OG into the fold, the company significantly bolsters its coverage in the DACH region, seamlessly integrating Austrian customs expertise with its established operations in Germany and Switzerland [1]. Concurrently, the acquisition of Parodi Forwarding S.r.l. grants the firm an immediate, direct operational presence in the Italian market [1].
Navigating Digitalization and EU Customs Reform
The push for continental consolidation is heavily driven by macroeconomic and regulatory shifts. Sander van Lent, CEO of Gaston Schul Group, noted that while the company’s core strategy remains unchanged, the rapid development of artificial intelligence, digitalization, and the impending EU Customs Reform necessitated an acceleration in their growth timeline [1]. By adopting a digital-first approach and leveraging its expanding European footprint, the firm aims to position itself as a foundational partner for clients as the logistics industry undergoes fundamental transformations [1].
Strategic Positioning for Multinational Supply Chains
For multinational corporations, navigating the fragmented regulatory landscape of the European Union requires sophisticated, unified customs management [GPT]. The integration of operations across 13 countries—including major economic hubs like Belgium, France, Germany, and the UK—enables Gaston Schul to offer a streamlined, single-provider solution [1]. This comprehensive network is particularly vital as regional trade dynamics continue to evolve. For example, the UK and EU recently announced an agreement to eliminate fresh food trade barriers starting in mid-2027, a move projected to deliver a £5 billion annual trade boost [2]. Managing such high-value, cross-border flows will require the exact type of integrated, pan-European customs infrastructure that Gaston Schul is aggressively building [1][2].