FM Logistic Acquires Majority Stake in German Schäflein Group, Bolstering European Logistics Market
Translated from Polish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- FM Logistic has acquired a majority stake in Germany's Schäflein Group, expanding its presence in Europe's largest logistics market.
- The acquisition grants FM Logistic access to Schäflein's industrial know-how and distribution network, with plans to develop its operations in Germany and other European countries.
- This move is part of a broader trend of consolidation in the fragmented logistics industry, following other major acquisitions in the sector.
French logistics company FM Logistic has significantly expanded its footprint in Europe by acquiring a majority stake in the German Schäflein Group. This strategic move allows FM Logistic to enter Germany's substantial logistics market, which represents a key objective for the company's growth.
Jean-Christophe Machet, CEO of FM Logistic, emphasized that the acquisition was driven not only by the desire to increase operational capacity but also to gain valuable industrial expertise from Schäflein. He highlighted that both companies share a history as family-owned businesses. The deal also provides FM Logistic with access to Schäflein's national and international distribution network for less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments, including a logistics center in Röthlein.
FM Logistic plans to leverage Schäflein's existing strong position in Bavaria and expand its operations into new, promising logistics hubs in Germany, such as the Ruhr area and Leipzig. Furthermore, FM Logistic will integrate Schäflein's activities in Poland, Slovakia, Spain, and France into its operations. The existing management of Schäflein, including CEO Achim Schäflein, COO Bernd Schäflein, and CFO Christoph Heller, will retain their roles to ensure operational continuity.
This acquisition is part of a larger wave of consolidation sweeping through the fragmented European logistics sector. FM Logistic's revenues, currently at 1.9 billion euros, are expected to increase by 260 million euros following the integration of Schäflein. The "Schäflein" brand will be maintained in the short term to respect its strong local market presence, with a gradual transformation strategy to be implemented in the coming years. FM Logistic also recently completed a 320 million euro refinancing transaction, indicating its financial capacity for further growth and investment.
Naszym celem nie było jedynie zwiększenie mocy operacyjnych, lecz pozyskanie wartościowego know-how przemysłowego
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Rzeczpospolita in Polish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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