French group CMA CGM has signed an agreement to acquire the multimodal business of Freightliner UK Intermodal Logistics, the largest British rail operator. The deal covers rail and road freight, a network of inland terminals, and the Freightliner brand. Completion of the transaction is expected in early 2026, subject to regulatory approval.
Freightliner’s other European divisions—Heavy Haul, Rotterdam Rail Feeding, and operations in Poland and Germany—will remain with the current owners. Freightliner UK will continue to operate under the current management and will gain access to CMA CGM’s global logistics and shipping network.
Group CEO Rodolphe Saadé noted that the acquisition will strengthen CMA CGM’s position in the strategic UK market and will enable it to more effectively connect the UK hinterland with major European ports. Currently, the British division of CMA CGM serves 28 sea routes and transports over 800 thousand TEU per year, and through its subsidiary CCIS, it delivered an additional 200 thousand TEU by rail and road transport in January–July 2025 alone.