CMA CGM, a French shipping company, has announced that it has acquired Freightliner UK and includes the rail and road operations as well as the Freightliner brand.
CMA has confirmed that Freightliner will remain a standalone operator but says that it supports CMA’s shift from road to rail.
The acquisition is expected to be completed in early 2026.
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 decarbonisation 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.”
Responses
why cant we run companies ourselves and stop selling everything off to overseas countries?Are our managing classes not good enough?Jeff
From an American owner to a French owner. Don’t British companies want to support this country’s infrastructure any more?
We need a government that supports our country, I’m afraid we haven’t had that for a while
When will the u.k.learn and stop selling off our assests
for a few pieces of silver..
The Freightliner Group, including Freightliner Group UK, is owned by Genese and Wyoming, the French company is only buying the Intermodal business. At least that will be owned nearer to home. I wonder sometimes why there are few British investors coming forward, maybe they prefer to invest abroad, or just bank their earnings and sit on them, or on a yacht in Monaco.