Finance

CMA CGM acquires rail logistics firm Freightliner UK

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on September 22, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 21, 2026

Add as preferred source on Google
CMA CGM acquires rail logistics firm Freightliner UK
Global Banking & Finance Awards 2026 — Call for Entries

PARIS (Reuters) -CMA CGM on Monday announced the acquisition of Freightliner UK Intermodal Logistics, a rail logistics specialist, as the French shipping group continues to expand its presence in non-

CMA CGM Expands with Acquisition of Freightliner UK Rail Logistics

CMA CGM's Strategic Acquisition

PARIS (Reuters) -CMA CGM on Monday announced the acquisition of Freightliner UK Intermodal Logistics, a rail logistics specialist, as the French shipping group continues to expand its presence in non-maritime transport.

Details of the Acquisition

Financial terms of the deal, expected to close in early 2026, were not disclosed.

Freightliner UK Operations

Freightliner UK transports containers between British ports and inland terminals, handling 770,000 containers last year, CMA CGM said.

CMA CGM's Logistics Strategy

Freightliner UK, which also runs lorry services, will operate as a standalone business within CMA CGM. Its current owner Freightliner Group will retain bulk cargo and non-UK activities.

CMA CGM, the world's third-largest container shipping line that is controlled by the French-Lebanese Saade family, has invested heavily in land and air logistics to be less reliant on a volatile shipping sector.

Logistics accounted for around a third of its group sales last year.

(Reporting by Gus Trompiz; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)

Key Takeaways

  • CMA CGM acquires Freightliner UK to expand in rail logistics.
  • The deal is expected to close in early 2026.
  • Freightliner UK handles 770,000 containers annually.
  • CMA CGM aims to reduce reliance on shipping volatility.
  • Logistics make up a third of CMA CGM's sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an acquisition?
An acquisition is a corporate action in which one company purchases most or all of another company's shares to gain control of that company.
What is logistics?
Logistics refers to the detailed coordination of complex operations involving people, facilities, and supplies to ensure the efficient movement of goods.
What is intermodal logistics?
Intermodal logistics involves using more than one mode of transportation to move goods, such as combining rail and truck transport.
What is a standalone business?
A standalone business operates independently and is not reliant on other businesses for its operations or revenue.
What is corporate strategy?
Corporate strategy is the overarching plan for a company that outlines how it will achieve its goals and objectives, including growth and market positioning.

Tags

Related Articles

More from Finance

Explore more articles in the Finance category