History of the GLS Group
Once upon a time, in 1989, 25 brave forwarders had a daring idea: build a national parcel service provider in the geographic centre of Germany. German Parcel was born, to be the starting point of the unprecedented story of the GLS Group.
Today, the GLS Group is one of the leading express parcel service providers in Europe and around the world and we are proud to be one of the most reliable and efficient logistics networks.
Discover the major milestones in the development of the GLS Group:
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2026
Acquisition of the Relais Colis network
GLS strengthens its out-of-home (OOH) offering in France through the acquisition of the Relais Colis parcel shop network.
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2024
New national hub
Inauguration of the Paris Sud hub, which strengthens our network in France and internationally.
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2022
Acquisition of Tousfacteurs
Founded in 2015, Tousfacteurs is a startup specializing in the last-mile delivery experience.
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2021
New look
Redesign of the GLS brand identity.
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2016-2020
Expansion in North America
Geographic expansion targeting the USA and Canada, along with investments in network infrastructure.
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2008-2015
Network expansion and launch of B2C
Continued expansion of the GLS network across Europe and launch of delivery services for private customers.
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2003-2007
Creation of an integrated network
Launch of GLS IT Services.
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2002
Launch of the GLS Brand
Launch of the GLS brand across all countries of operation.
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1999-2002
GLS European network
The GLS network is expanding through multiple acquisitions and the creation of companies in many European countries.
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1999
Creation of the GLS Group
Royal Mail Group acquires German Parcel and establishes General Logistics Systems (GLS).
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1992
General Parcel in Europe
Launch of the European franchise system, General Parcel.
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1989
German Parcel
Beginning of the success story with the creation in Germany of German Parcel Paket-Logistik GmbH.