en.Wedoany.com Reported - CMA CGM has been making frequent moves in the logistics and aviation sectors recently, accelerating its transformation from a traditional maritime shipping company into a comprehensive service provider covering sea, land, air, and logistics through a series of acquisitions.
Acquisition of FedEx
According to the Financial Times, French shipping company CMA CGM is close to reaching an agreement to acquire the third-party logistics business of U.S.-based FedEx for $1.4 billion in cash, further solidifying its position in the U.S. supply chain sector.
According to sources familiar with the matter, negotiations between the two parties are in the advanced stages, and the deal could be reached as early as July 1 local time, though talks could still fall through. If completed, this would be CMA CGM's latest move to expand its business through acquisitions and diversify into logistics, air freight, and media assets.
According to CMA CGM CEO Rodolphe Saadé, the company has prioritized growth in the U.S. market. During a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump last year, he pledged to invest $20 billion over four years to help revitalize the U.S. maritime industry and create 10,000 jobs.
As part of the latest deal, the two parties will also announce a partnership in freight forwarding, combining FedEx's strengths as an air cargo carrier with CMA CGM's power as a shipping giant, the sources added. The specific details of the collaboration are still being finalized and may be subject to adjustments.
For FedEx, this sale will advance its strategic shift to focus on its core air-ground delivery network. The company completed the spin-off of its FedEx Freight business into a standalone publicly traded company in May. FedEx's third-party logistics business, known as FedEx Supply Chain, specializes in order fulfillment and product return services for large enterprises, including retailers. Its origins can be traced back to the $1.4 billion acquisition of Genco Distribution System in 2015.
CMA CGM has acquired port assets in multiple U.S. cities in recent years, including Los Angeles and New York. Earlier this year, the shipping group formed a $10 billion joint venture with infrastructure investment firm Stonepeak, in which CMA CGM holds a 75% stake, further reinforcing its long-term commitment to the U.S. market.
Acquisition of Crystal Aero Solutions
In addition to its logistics business, CMA CGM has recently expanded into aviation. On June 12, the group announced on its official website that it had signed a preliminary agreement to acquire Crystal Aero Solutions, a company specializing in aircraft maintenance services for cargo and passenger planes.
Headquartered at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, with operations in Brussels and Liège, Crystal Aero Solutions specializes in line maintenance and light repair activities, which are crucial for ensuring aircraft operational availability. The company supports airlines and third-party operators, deploying its teams for international engine support operations, particularly in Africa and Asia.
Since 2024, Crystal Aero Solutions has been a partner of CMA CGM AIR CARGO, providing maintenance support for its fleet.
CMA CGM stated that the acquisition of Crystal Aero Solutions is part of the group's ongoing strategy to develop its air cargo business. This move will enable CMA CGM to leverage recognized aircraft maintenance expertise to support the growth of CMA CGM AIR CARGO, enhance fleet operational availability, and strengthen its presence across multiple strategic platforms in Europe. The transaction will be finalized after completing the legally required employee information consultation process.
CMA CGM AIR CARGO was launched in March 2021 as another key initiative in the CMA CGM Group's strategy to provide integrated solutions spanning sea, land, air, and logistics. This strategy enables the group to offer tailored multimodal transport solutions to customers, up to last-mile delivery. Currently, the CMA CGM Group operates a fleet of eight cargo aircraft, including five Boeing 777Fs, one Airbus A330F, and two Boeing 747Fs. Starting in 2027, the fleet will expand further with the delivery of eight Airbus A350Fs. These aircraft are based at strategic hubs in France, the United States, and Belgium, ensuring optimal connectivity on major global air cargo routes.
Last year, two-thirds of CMA CGM's $54.4 billion in revenue came from its shipping business, while the logistics division contributed $18 billion, roughly on par with 2024 levels. Additionally, the company holds several French media assets, including BFM TV and La Tribune. Like other shipping groups such as Maersk and MSC, CMA CGM faces a challenging market environment this year due to disruptions caused by the conflict between the U.S. and Iran, as well as downward pressure on freight rates amid capacity oversupply.
In the first quarter of this year, CMA CGM's shipping business revenue fell 8.5% year-on-year to $18 billion, while adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, and other items dropped 41% to $1.5 billion.
