Freightliner Acquisition Completed as CMA CGM Enters UK Rail Freight

Freightliner Ltd has confirmed that its acquisition by the CMA CGM Group has now been completed, marking a significant change in ownership for the UK’s largest intermodal rail freight operator. The deal brings Freightliner into the global shipping and logistics group, opening what the company has described as a new phase in its development.

Both organisations say the acquisition reflects a shared ambition to strengthen and expand intermodal freight services, with a particular focus on integration and sustainability. Freightliner operates a nationwide network comprising 10 terminals, around 1.4 million rail slots and a fleet of approximately 2,000 wagons, alongside one of the largest collections of electric locomotives in the UK.

Despite the change in ownership, Freightliner will continue to operate as a standalone, multi-user and multi-customer intermodal provider within the UK logistics market. The company has reiterated that it will maintain its national rail-based network, which plays a role in reducing road freight and cutting thousands of tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.

Other parts of the wider Freightliner Group are unaffected by the transaction. Heavy Haul Rail will continue to operate independently under its existing shareholder ownership. The same arrangement applies to the group’s European businesses, including Rotterdam Rail Feeding and Freightliner operations in Poland and Germany, which will remain separate from Freightliner Ltd and under current ownership.

Chris Lawreson, Freightliner Managing Director said:

“We are incredibly pleased to announce our acquisition by CMA CGM. Becoming part of a global group of this scale gives Freightliner the means to accelerate its development and strengthen its role at the heart of UK intermodal logistics. By combining our deep UK rail expertise with CMA CGM’s maritime reach and global logistics capabilities, we are building a more resilient, integrated and future-ready supply chain for our customers. Our teams will continue to operate with the same autonomy, professionalism and reliability that Freightliner customers trust, now supported by the long-term vision and resources of a world-class logistics group.”

Image: Freightliner