CMA CGM announces the acquisition of Freightliner UK

The CMA CGM Group, a global player in sea, land, air, and logistics solutions, today announced the acquisition of Freightliner in the United Kingdom. The transaction encompasses rail and road operations, inland terminals, as well as the Freightliner brand.

 

This acquisition underlines CMA CGM’s ambition to build a sustainable and competitive transport offering in Europe. By adding a long-standing name in UK rail freight, the Group reaffirms its commitment to supporting the modal shift from road to rail – a cornerstone of decarbonizing global supply chains.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Rail freight is a major lever for reducing CO₂ emissions. With Freightliner UK’s expertise and know-how, CMA CGM will further strengthen its ability to offer European customers, seamless and integrated intermodal solutions including transport and terminal operations.

 

The addition of Freightliner opens the way to significant enhanced-value offerings: developing comprehensive intermodal offerings combining maritime, rail, and road; enhancing connectivity between Europe’s major ports and the UK hinterland through strategically located inland terminals; and driving shared innovation in decarbonized logistics solutions.

 

Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, said: “The acquisition of Freightliner, a leading rail freight operator, strengthens our intermodal presence in the United Kingdom, a strategic market for CMA CGM. 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 decarbonization of global trade.”

 

Commenting on the divestment, Tim Shoveller, Chief Executive Officer of Freightliner Group, said: “This transaction marks an exciting new chapter for Intermodal and Heavy Haul, allowing each to focus on their distinct markets under separate ownership. 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.”

 

CMA CGM has a strong presence in the United Kingdom with nearly 7,200 employees across its maritime, logistics, and inland services.

 

The Group’s shipping agency employs 286 staff and operates 28 services connecting the UK with the rest of the world. In 2024, CMA CGM carried 802,000 TEUs to and from the UK.

 

In intermodal transport, CMA CGM Group, through its subsidiary CCIS, transported 200,000 TEUs by rail and road between January and July 2025, confirming its role as a pioneer in decarbonized logistics.

 

CEVA Logistics, a subsidiary of the Group, employs 6,768 people across 103 sites. With 718,000 sqm of warehousing and consolidation capacity, as well as annual volumes of 33,800 tonnes in air freight and 69,400 TEUs in ocean freight, CEVA delivers integrated, end-to-end solutions, reinforcing the Group’s position as a major logistics player in the UK and across Europe.