CMA CGM Group acquires GEFCO

8th April 2022

Logistics BusinessCMA CGM Group acquires GEFCO

The CMA CGM Group, a world leader in shipping and logistics, is acquiring nearly 100% of the capital of GEFCO, a European leader in automotive logistics and international expert in multimodal supply chain. The acquisition has been submitted to competition authorities for approval. However, as part of a special procedure, the European Commission has authorised CMA CGM to acquire the capital of GEFCO immediately, pending the final approval that will take place in the coming months. The acquisition will strengthen the range of logistics services that CEVA Logistics, CMA CGM’s logistics subsidiary, provides to its customers, especially in France and the rest of Europe.

Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, commented: “The acquisition of GEFCO represents a further step in our development strategy and strengthens our position as a global player in transport and logistics. With GEFCO, our subsidiary CEVA will become the world leader in automotive logistics, having recently enhanced its capabilities in e-commerce logistics with the acquisition of Ingram Micro CLS. We are creating a French leader to serve our customers around the world.”

The CMA CGM Group’s intention is for GEFCO to continue operating in a secure regulatory framework, then to boost its development, especially in international markets, by harnessing the Group’s market-leading technology and logistics capabilities. GEFCO will benefit in the future from CEVA Logistics’ expertise and network, enabling it to expand both its business and its customer portfolio.

The acquisition of GEFCO and its integration within CEVA Logistics will create the world’s leading automotive logistics provider and will reinforce CEVA’s leadership position in contract logistics. Thanks to the addition of GEFCO, CEVA Logistics will continue expanding around the world and strengthening its position in key markets, especially France and the rest of Europe.

GEFCO, a French company, is a European leader in contract logistics and a specialist of the automotive segment. With particular expertise in finished vehicle logistics, the company plays a key role in keeping European automotive production lines running. GEFCO intends to pursue its strong cooperation with its partners, including Stellantis.

The logistics provider has been operating for over 70 years now and also has customers in the aerospace, pharmaceuticals, energy and retail sectors. GEFCO has built a network spanning 47 countries and employs around 11,500 staff around the world – with more than 2,500 of them in France.

With the deal to acquire GEFCO, the CMA CGM Group is moving forward with its plan to develop and provide end-to-end shipping and logistics solutions in order to support its customers’ supply chains.

The Group recently announced the completion of the acquisition of Ingram Micro’s Commerce & Lifecycle Services (CLS) and of Colis Privé. These deals have accelerated the development of CEVA Logistics in e-commerce and in key market segments, such as technology, retail and fashion.

Luc Nadal, GEFCO’s CEO, commented: “With more than 70 years of expertise in industrial logistics, GEFCO is proud to join the CMA CGM Group, an undisputed world leader in maritime shipping and logistics. The project led by CMA CGM will allow GEFCO to continue our activity in a stable environment, will support the transformation we have initiated and will strengthen our development in the years to come. This link between two French companies will bring many opportunities for GEFCO in terms of innovation and sustainable growth, particularly internationally, for the benefit of our customers. I am proud of the work accomplished by all of the GEFCO teams around the world on behalf of our customers, and I am confident in the future with CMA CGM and CEVA Logistics.”