Global supply chain group DP World has agreed a deal with GXO Logistics to take control of six contract logistics facilities across the UK. The agreement includes more than two million square feet of warehouse space along with 2,000 site employees.

The transaction satisfies a key regulatory condition set by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) after GXO acquired Wincanton. The CMA has formally approved the site transfer, which will take effect in September.

Five of the distribution centres are located in England, with one situated in Northern Ireland. These facilities handle logistics for major UK supermarket groups, including Asda, Sainsbury’s and the Co-op. Under the terms of the agreement, GXO will retain transport operations at all relevant sites while DP World assumes responsibility for the warehousing infrastructure.

The additional space increases DP World’s UK logistics footprint and adds capabilities for ambient, chilled, frozen and bonded storage. The six facilities store roughly 46,000 unique product lines and distribute goods to out-of-town supermarkets, regional convenience outlets and local neighbourhood stores.

More than 2,000 staff members will transfer to DP World’s existing UK operational network. The business currently operates deep-water container ports at London Gateway and Southampton, alongside freight forwarding and marine logistics services.

Angela Howard, Vice President, Contract Logistics, North Europe at DP World, said: “We are delighted to welcome these six sites and the talented teams who operate them into DP World. They support some of the UK’s best-known grocery retailers and play a vital role in keeping products moving efficiently through complex supply chains every day.

“For our customers, it will be business as usual, backed by the strength, scale and investment of a global logistics business. By adding these operations to our network, we are expanding our ability to provide seamless supply chain solutions that connect ports, transport, warehousing and distribution through a single, integrated platform.

“This is an important step in our ambition to build a truly end-to-end logistics offering across the UK and Europe. It strengthens our presence in key retail and consumer markets, broadens our geographic reach and further enhances our ability to create value for customers.”

The transfer builds on DP World’s strategy to connect port terminals with inland warehousing networks to create integrated logistics systems across the UK market.