The French shipping and logistics major CMA CGM has acquired GEFCO, the European automotive logistics and multimodal supply chain expert. With the acquisition, CMA CGM boosts the range of logistics services its unit, CEVA Logistics can provide.

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.

Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, said, “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.”

Transforming GEFCO

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.

Strengthening cooperation with partners

GEFCO, a French company, is a European leader in contract logistics and a specialist in 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.

CMA CGM is pressing ahead with its strategic development in logistics

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.