Aquila
Aquila (BVB: AQ) is a Romanian-listed integrated FMCG distribution and logistics company serving 78,000+ retail points of sale in Romania, Moldova, Hungary, and the UK via a 1,600+ vehicle fleet, 24 warehouses, and 10,000+ SKUs across international and own brands.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1994
- HeadquartersPloiesti, Romania
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Aquila does
Aquila Part Prod Com S.A. (BVB: AQ) is a Romanian-headquartered, publicly listed integrated distribution and logistics provider for fast-moving consumer goods, founded in 1994 and headquartered in Ploiesti. The company operates across Romania, the Republic of Moldova (via Trigor AVD, acquired 2021), Hungary (via KITAX Kft, acquired 2024-2025), and the UK (via Ziegler UK under the Aquila Strategic subsidiary, 2026). Aquila distributes more than 10,000 SKUs from established international principals (Mars, Mondelez, Lavazza, Procter & Gamble, RAUCH, Kimberly-Clark, Essity) and its own brands (Gradena, La Masă, Yachtis, JetXpert, AquaXpert, ExpertWipes) through a direct sales force of approximately 800 people to over 78,000 points of sale across Modern Retail, Traditional Retail, HoReCa, and gas station channels, covering 90%+ of the Romanian retail market.
The operating platform consists of 24 facilities with combined storage capacity exceeding 145,000 pallets across ambient, refrigerated, and frozen regimes, supported by a Warehouse Management System, Pick-by-Light (planned expansion from 2,600 to 6,600 locations by 2025), Pick-by-Voice, Multi-Order Picking, an AI-based automation deployment at the Dragomiresti (Ilfov) warehouse (EUR 5M investment), and a migration to Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP. A fleet of more than 1,600 vehicles delivers nationally and internationally to over 20 EU countries, Switzerland, and the UK.
The business model is anchored in distribution (approximately 94% of turnover) — earning a mark-up on goods sold to retailers and HORECA operators — complemented by managed-services revenue from warehousing (multi-temperature storage, value-added services such as promotional packaging and labelling) and transportation, plus third-party logistics work (e.g., dedicated pick-by-light warehouse for Hama Romania). Revenue grew from approximately RON 1.8B in 2020 to RON 3.47B in 2025, while net profit declined 45% to RON 49.9M in 2025 and a further 83% in Q1 2026 to RON 3.29M, signalling margin pressure as the M&A-led scale build-out outpaces earnings conversion.
Aquila firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Aquila
- Legal name
- Aquila Part Prod Com S.A.
- Website
- https://aquila.ro
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1994
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- Aquila (BVB: AQ) is a Romanian-listed integrated FMCG distribution and logistics company serving 78,000+ retail points of sale in Romania, Moldova, Hungary, and the UK via a 1,600+ vehicle fleet, 24 warehouses, and 10,000+ SKUs across international and own brands.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Aquila industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Consumer Goods Distribution and Logistics Services
- NAICS
- General Warehousing and Storage (493110), Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (42385)
- SIC
- Public Warehousing & Storage (4220), Wholesale-Groceries, General Line (5141)
- akta.pro primary industry
- E-commerce & Omnichannel Fulfillment Centers (Non-Temp Controlled) (TLALAAAC)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Value-Added Warehousing Services (Kitting, Labeling, Repack, Light Assembly) (TLALAAAL)
Keywords
Where Aquila is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ploiesti
- HQ country
- Romania
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices6 records
Markets served
Aquila business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Distribution: Aquila sells consumer goods (own brands and established international brands) through its own sales structure of approximately 800 people. Revenue is generated from the mark-up on goods sold. This is the primary revenue stream representing approximately 94% of total turnover. Distribution covers all temperature segments (ambient, refrigerated, frozen) and all channels (Modern Retail, Traditional Retail, HoReCa, gas stations).
- Logistics and Warehousing: Aquila provides warehousing services including storage in multi-temperature regimes, order preparation, and value-added services such as promotional packaging and labelling. Revenue is generated through service fees charged to suppliers and manufacturers.
- Transportation: Transport services for goods across all temperature categories, operating nationally and internationally to over 20 countries in the EU, Switzerland, and the UK. Revenue is generated through transportation fees.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels6 records
Aquila product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Aquila provides integrated distribution and logistics services for consumer goods in Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and Hungary. Its core offering combines a direct sales force of 800+ people, multi-temperature warehousing of 145,000+ pallets across 24 facilities, and a fleet of 1,600+ vehicles that together deliver over 10,000 products from international brands and own brands (Gradena, La Masă, Yachtis, JetXpert, ExpertWipes, AquaXpert) to 78,000+ points of sale covering modern retail, traditional retail, HoReCa, and gas stations. The company also provides third-party warehousing and logistics services to external clients and operates the Aquila Shop online retail platform.
Product overview
Aquila provides integrated distribution and logistics solutions for consumer goods in Romania and the Republic of Moldova, operating through four main service segments: Sales & Execution, Warehousing, Transportation, and Distribution. The company distributes over 10,000 products from international brands across personal care, sweets, coffee, cleaning products, pet food, hygiene, and baby care categories. Additionally, Aquila has developed an own-brands portfolio including food products (Gradena frozen vegetables and fruits, La Masă frozen ready meals, Yachtis frozen seafood) and non-food products (JetXpert and ExpertWipes car maintenance and cleaning products). The company serves over 78,000 points of sale across modern retail, traditional retail, HoReCa, gas stations, and travel retail channels, representing over 90% of the Romanian market. Recent acquisitions (Romtec Europa, Parmafood companies, KITAX Kft) have expanded the portfolio and regional presence.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Gradena: Frozen vegetables and fruits brand, including mixes
- La Masă
- Yachtis
- Jet Xpert
- Clima Xpert
- Brake Xpert
- JetXpert
- AquaXpert
- ExpertWipes
Products and services
- Sales & Execution Integrated sales execution services covering order processing, sales force management, and customer relationship management for FMCG distribution across multiple retail channels in Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and Hungary.
- Warehousing Services
Quantifiable outcome
- Revenue growth from RON 1.8 billion (2020) to nearly RON 3 billion (2024), a 67% increase over 4 years
- +7 more outcomes
Companies that use Aquila
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Aquila technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Aquila partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Aquila Strategic (Ziegler UK acquisition)minorAquila Strategic took control of Ziegler UK through a management-led restructuring in March, amid wider difficulties within the Ziegler group including liquidation proceedings in France.
- KITAX KftcoreAquila signed agreement to acquire KITAX Kft in Hungary, one of the top five distribution companies in its field with nationwide coverage. KITAX distributes professional hygiene and cleaning products, HoReCa consumables, and health and workplace safety equipment, serving industry, retail, education, healthcare, and facility management. KITAX has over 10,000 products from 400+ global suppliers including Kimberly-Clark, Essity (Tork), Vileda Professional, and Karcher. Revenues of EUR 10 million and EBITDA of EUR 2.1 million in 2023.
- Parmafood Group Distribution SRL and Parmafood Trading SRLcoreAquila finalized the acquisition of 100% of Parmafood Trading SRL and Parmafood Group Distribution SRL shares. Combined history of three decades with significant presence in HoReCa, Modern Retail, and Traditional Retail channels. Combined turnover of RON 277.5 million in 2023 (+13% vs 2022) and combined net profit of RON 16.6 million. Operate logistics warehouses with integrated stock management systems. Portfolio of over 100 brands.
- Romtec Europa SRLcoreAquila finalized the acquisition of Romtec Europa SRL following Competition Council approval, with a total value of EUR 3.2 million. Romtec has 30 years of experience in the production of liquids and aerosols for car maintenance, with over 20 brands developed in Romania including Jet Xpert, Clima Xpert, and Brake Xpert. Romtec owns a production facility in Iași, Romania.
- Hama RomaniacoreAquila provides a complex logistics solution for Hama Romania, European leader in IT and Communications accessories. The partnership includes 1,500 pick-by-light locations in a warehouse of over 8,000 pallet locations with 4,000+ SKUs, high-performance video monitoring system, and metal detector. Aquila invested in new digitization and automation components. Hama has over 18,000 products and 2,500 employees worldwide.
- RAUCH Fruchtsäfte GmbHcoreAquila began national distribution of RAUCH products from January 1, 2022, covering all distribution channels including fuel stations, modern trade, and traditional retail. RAUCH is one of the leading producers of juices and fruit drinks in Europe, with over 2,050 employees, sales of over 1 billion euros in 2021, present in over 100 markets, owning 16 factories and 12 brands including Bravo, Happy Day, Cafemio, and Yippy. The agreement came after RAUCH's strategic reorganization.
- Trigor AVDcoreAquila acquired Trigor AVD in 2021, one of the leading players in the consumer goods distribution market in the Republic of Moldova. Trigor AVD recorded increased revenues of 14% in 2023. This acquisition expanded Aquila's regional presence to a second country.
- Petroleum-Gas University of Ploiești (UPG)minorAquila established a partnership with the Faculty of Economics at the Petroleum-Gas University of Ploiesti for the Aquila Building Careers internship program. The program offers training internships for students in various fields including Merchandising and Quality Management, Accounting and Management Informatics, Business Informatics, and Management. Since 2021, students have participated in 90-hour internships with scholarships of RON 4,500 each. Top performers receive employment opportunities.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Aquila competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- METRO AG: Germany-listed international cash & carry and foodservice distribution group with METRO Cash & Carry and own delivery operations in Romania (including Selgros). Operates an overlapping customer base and channel model to Aquila, but as a much larger incumbent with a global footprint.
- Bidcorp Limited: JSE-listed international foodservice distribution group with operations in over 30 countries. Similar multi-temperature, multi-channel B2B distribution model to Aquila, though focused on out-of-home consumption and at considerably larger scale.
- US Foods Holding Corp. Major US broadline foodservice distributor with private-label brands and a multi-channel customer base across restaurants and healthcare. Comparable integrated B2B distribution and own-brand model, though operating exclusively in North America.
- Performance Food Group Company: US foodservice and convenience distribution group with Vistar and PFG Customized divisions. Multi-channel B2B model with own brands and active M&A strategy, providing a relevant North American comparator for Aquila's growth-by-acquisition playbook.
- Sysco Corporation: Largest US foodservice distribution company serving restaurants, healthcare, and hospitality. Same fundamental business of multi-temperature B2B distribution plus private-label foodservice brands (e.g., Imperial Frozen), and a useful global benchmark for the model, though at vastly larger scale and US-centric.
Direct peers
- Eurocash S.A. Poland's largest wholesale distributor of fast-moving consumer goods to independent retail, with a comparable multi-format model (Cash & Carry, traditional wholesale, HoReCa) and own brands. Closest like-for-like peer for Aquila in CEE in terms of scale, channel coverage, and own-brand strategy.
- Kesko Oyj: Finnish retail and B2B wholesale group operating grocery, building and technical trade, and car trade across Northern Europe. Comparable multi-channel B2B distribution model with own brands (Pirkka) and active M&A history, though geographically focused on the Nordics.
- Sligro Food Group N.V. Dutch foodservice and retail wholesale group with cash & carry, delivery service, and own food brands across the Benelux. Highly comparable in multi-channel B2B distribution, multi-temperature warehousing, and own-brand development, though at a larger and more mature scale.
- Musgrave Group: Irish family-owned food wholesale and retail group operating in Ireland, Spain, and the UK with brands including SuperValu, Centra, and Daybreak. Similar integrated wholesale-plus-own-brand model serving independent retail and foodservice, making it a relevant strategic peer.
- Transgourmet Central & Eastern Europe: Austria-based foodservice and cash & carry distributor operating across CEE including Romania. Directly comparable multi-channel B2B model serving HoReCa, retail, and system catering customers with multi-temperature logistics.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Aquila social profiles
Digital presenceAquila financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Aquila leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Aquila subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries6 records
Aquila funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Aquila M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Aquila
What does Aquila do?
Aquila provides integrated distribution and logistics services for consumer goods in Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and Hungary. Its core offering combines a direct sales force of 800+ people, multi-temperature warehousing of 145,000+ pallets across 24 facilities, and a fleet of 1,600+ vehicles that together deliver over 10,000 products from international brands and own brands (Gradena, La Masă, Yachtis, JetXpert, ExpertWipes, AquaXpert) to 78,000+ points of sale covering modern retail, traditional retail, HoReCa, and gas stations. The company also provides third-party warehousing and logistics services to external clients and operates the Aquila Shop online retail platform.
Is Aquila a public or private company?
Aquila is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was Aquila founded?
Aquila was founded in 1994. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Aquila based?
Aquila is headquartered in Ploiesti, Romania, in the Europe region.
How does Aquila make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Distribution is the primary driver. The others are logistics and Warehousing and transportation.
Who are Aquila's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are METRO AG, Bidcorp Limited, US Foods Holding Corp., Performance Food Group Company and Sysco Corporation. Direct peers are Eurocash S.A., Kesko Oyj, Sligro Food Group N.V., Musgrave Group and Transgourmet Central & Eastern Europe.
Does Aquila have an API?
No public API is recorded for Aquila.
What industry is Aquila in?
Aquila's product category is Consumer Goods Distribution and Logistics Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLALAAAC, E-commerce & Omnichannel Fulfillment Centers (Non-Temp Controlled), with a secondary code of TLALAAAL, Value-Added Warehousing Services (Kitting, Labeling, Repack, Light Assembly). Its NAICS code is 493110 and its SIC code is 4220.