CMA CGM has agreed to acquire FedEx Supply Chain for US$1.4 billion, marking one of the biggest logistics deals of the year and giving the French shipping and logistics group a much stronger foothold in North America.
The acquisition will see FedEx’s contract logistics business become part of CEVA Logistics, CMA CGM’s logistics subsidiary, almost tripling CEVA’s contract logistics operations across North America once the transaction is completed later this year.
The deal is another step in CMA CGM’s long-term strategy to become a fully integrated global logistics provider, expanding far beyond its traditional container shipping business into warehousing, freight forwarding, air cargo and end-to-end supply chain services.
Following the acquisition, the combined business will operate around 150 warehouses, bringing CEVA’s North American network to more than 240 locations and a workforce of roughly 20,000 employees.
The agreement also includes new long-term commercial partnerships between CMA CGM and FedEx. CMA CGM will become one of FedEx’s preferred ocean shipping partners under a non-exclusive agreement, while the two companies will also work together on selected air cargo solutions to improve network efficiency and offer customers more flexible shipping options. These collaborations will be introduced gradually between now and 2028.
For FedEx, the sale is part of a broader effort to simplify its business and concentrate on its core strengths. After spinning off FedEx Freight earlier this year, the company is now sharpening its focus on transportation and parcel delivery while continuing to support high-value industries such as healthcare, aerospace, automotive and data centres.
FedEx Chief Executive Raj Subramaniam said the move would allow the company to execute its long-term strategy more effectively while continuing to deliver reliable global transport services for customers.
FedEx Supply Chain currently employs around 11,500 people across nearly 150 facilities, providing services including warehousing, distribution, fulfilment, contract packaging, returns management, refurbishment and supply chain solutions for manufacturers and retailers.
For CMA CGM, the acquisition represents another major investment in the United States. Chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé said the transaction strengthens CEVA Logistics’ ability to provide fully integrated supply chain solutions while reinforcing the group’s long-term commitment to investing in the U.S. market and supporting more resilient supply chains.
The transaction remains subject to the usual regulatory approvals and is expected to close before the end of the year.
