If you’ve ever ordered a package online, chances are you’ve heard of Hermes, one of the largest delivery companies in Europe. But who owns this company? Let’s take a closer look.
The History of Hermes
Hermes was founded in Germany in 1972 as a courier service called Hanseatic Transportgesellschaft. In 1982, it was renamed to Hermes Versand Service and began offering parcel delivery services to customers across Germany. Over the years, the company expanded its operations to other European countries such as France, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
The Current Ownership of Hermes
Today, Hermes is owned by the Otto Group, a German retail and services company that operates in over 30 countries worldwide. The Otto Group was founded in 1949 by Werner Otto and has since grown into one of the largest e-commerce retailers in Europe.
Other Companies Owned by The Otto Group
The Otto Group owns several other well-known companies besides Hermes, including Crate & Barrel, Bonprix, and About You. These companies operate in various industries such as home goods, fashion, and online marketplaces.
Controversies Surrounding Hermes
Despite its success as a delivery company, Hermes has faced some controversies over the years. One issue that has been raised is the treatment of its couriers who are often classified as self-employed rather than employees, which means they do not receive benefits such as sick pay or vacation time.
In addition to this, there have been reports of poor working conditions for couriers including long hours and low pay. However, Hermes has made efforts to address these concerns by introducing initiatives such as a minimum wage for couriers and training programs for better working conditions.
Conclusion
In summary, Hermes is currently owned by the Otto Group and has expanded its operations to become one of the largest delivery companies in Europe. Despite facing some controversies over the treatment of its couriers, Hermes has made efforts to improve working conditions and provide better benefits for its employees.