BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom — The CMA CGM Group, a global player in sea, land, air, and logistics solutions, today announced the acquisition of Freightliner UK Intermodal Logistics.
The transaction encompasses rail and road operations, inland terminals, as well as the Freightliner brand.
CMA CGM said the acquisition underscores its ambition to build a sustainable and competitive transport offering in Europe. The deal supports modal shift from road to rail, CMA CGM said.
“The acquisition of Freightliner, a leading rail freight operator, strengthens our intermodal presence in the United Kingdom, a strategic market for CMA CGM,” CEO Rodolphe Saadé said in a statement. “It enables us to connect sea, rail and road more efficiently, delivering better solutions for our customers. It is also a concrete step in expanding lower-carbon transport options, supporting both their needs and the decarbonisation of global trade.”
The transaction is expected to close in early 2026, subject to the required regulatory approvals.
Other Freightliner businesses – Heavy Haul, Rotterdam Rail Feeding, and Freightliner Poland/Germany – will remain under existing ownership.
“This transaction marks an exciting new chapter for Intermodal and Heavy Haul, allowing each to focus on their distinct markets under separate ownership,” Freightliner Group CEO Tim Shoveller said in a statement. “The Intermodal business will become a stand-alone business within CMA CGM’s portfolio, with opportunities to collaborate with other arm’s length CMA CGM companies. Heavy Haul will continue its growth journey in the bulk materials sector under a new brand with a clear focus on strengthening its position as a key freight operator. Our customers will continue to receive the same high-quality leadership and operational teams, and we have robust plans in place to ensure a smooth transition of ownership.”
Freightliner operations will remain focused on its multi-user and multi-customer approach, and will be run independently with existing teams who have proven their expertise and dedication.
Freightliner UK’s expertise will further strengthen CMA CGM’s ability to offer European customers seamless and integrated intermodal solutions including transport and terminal operations, the company said.
Wonder what type of oversight will take place in Great Britain regarding this transaction? In the US there would be all kinds of weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth regarding the loss of competition, fear of higher rates, price/rate fixing, etc; and this transaction wouldn’t get approved for a long time. Of course, this is not a rail merger, but then, why should it matter… The only difference is the type of government regulation that could occur. In GB and the European Union, probably tons. In the US, more than is necessary… The more things change, the more they stay the same… SO much for FREE enterprise…