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CMA CGM to buy Freightliner

[ September 22, 2025   //   ]

French-owned shipping and logistics company CMA CGM is to buy Freightliner UK Intermodal Logistics, one of the UK’s leading rail container carriers from current owner, US railroad Genesee & Wyoming.

The transaction includes rail and road operations, inland terminals and the Freightliner brand but will not include other Freightliner businesses – the Heavy Haul bulk business in the UK, Rotterdam Rail Feeding, and Freightliner Poland/Germany.

The transaction is expected to close in early 2026, and is subject to regulatory approvals.

CMA CGM said the acquisition would underline its ambition to build a sustainable and competitive transport offering in Europe and, by adding a long-standing name in UK rail freight, reaffirmed its

Freightliner operations will be run independently by existing teams.

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 decarbonisation of global trade.” Freightliner Group chief executive, Tim Shoveller, 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.”

He added: “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.”

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