The Marseille-based container shipping line CMA CGM on Monday announced the acquisition of Freightliner UK Intermodal Logistics, a rail freight operator in the United Kingdom, as the French shipping group wants to strengthen its intermodal services in Europe.
Financial terms of the deal, expected to close in early 2026, subject to the required regulatory approvals, were not disclosed.
The deal includes rail and road operations, inland terminals, as well as the Freightliner brand.
Other Freightliner businesses like Heavy Haul, Rotterdam Rail Feeding, and Freightliner Poland/Germany, will stay under current ownership.
Freightliner operations will remain focused on its multi-user and multi-customer approach, and will be run independently with existing teams.
The CMA CGM Group, a key logistics player in the United Kingdom, has already a strong presence in the United Kingdom with nearly 7,200 employees across its maritime, logistics, and inland services.
As it is reported, 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.
Meanwhile, 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.
Commenting on the purchase, CMA CGM group chairman and chief executive Rodolphe Saadé 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.”
