CMA CGM buys Gefco ahead of sanctions threat
By Marcus Williams and Jason Dunn2022-04-08T16:14:00
CMA CGM has bought Gefco, including the 75% share owned by Russian Railways and the 25% share retained by Stellantis. The buyout strengthens the container line company’s logistics offering to the automotive industry
Container shipping line CMA CGM has bought French logistics provider Gefco for an undisclosed sum. The container line has at the same time bought the 25% stake in Gefco carmaker Stellantis had retained. Gefco was originally the wholly owned logistics division of PSA Peugeot Citroën, which is now part of Stellantis with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
The combined purchases make CMA CGM the sole owner of Gefco and strengthens CMA CGM’s automotive logistics services. Gefco has 3,000+ rail wagons and 30 vehicle compounds in Europe. It also subcontracts a large fleet of vehicle haulage trucks, though what CMA CGM will do with subcontracted business model for road haulage remains to be seen.
Nevertheless, combining the established strengths of Gefco, in both inbound and finished vehicle logistics, with Ceva Logistics, which CMA CGM acquired in 2019 for $640m advances the parent company’s aim of providing end-to-end shipping and logistics services. The move also bolsters Ceva’s provision of contract logistics, which is also one of Gefco’s strong offerings for the automotive industry.