The maritime carrier CMA CGM, headed by Rodolphe Saadé, has finalized its purchase of Bolloré Logistics for nearly five billion euros. This acquisition, the most important since the creation of the Marseille group in 1978, now makes it the fifth largest logistics company in the world.
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This is the end of Bolloré Logistics. This Thursday, the maritime carrier CMA CGM announced having finalized the acquisition of the logistics subsidiary from Breton billionaire Vincent Bolloré, for 4.85 billion euros, allowing the group to rise to the rank of the fifth logistics provider in the world. “ We will now be able to offer our clients a complete range of services and extend our expertise to new businesses. », greeted the CEO of CMA CGM, Rodolphe Saadé, quoted in a press release from the group.
The sale of logistics activities comes for Vincent Bolloré after that of its African terminals to the Italian-Swiss maritime carrier MSC, in 2022. The French billionaire’s empire thus puts an end to its historical diversification which dates back to the 1990s. The Breton dynasty rather seems to want to concentrate on the media and publishing, notably via the giant Vivendi, owner of Canal+, the Havas group, or even Editis.
Continue to diversify
For CMA CGM, it is the opposite. The Marseille carrier completes its diversification in logistics started in 2018, and therefore acquires a group of 13,500 employees. “ The most important acquisition since the creation of the CMA CGM Group in 1978, this operation constitutes a major step in the development strategy of the CMA CGM Group’s logistics activities. », Confirmed the Marseille group in its press release.
CMA CGM is committed to keep all jobs and not to carry out any HR synergy for at least one year. To comply with certain competition clauses, the group will however have to separate from the activities operated by Bolloré Logistics in Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana.
40% of CMA CGM’s turnover
Activities acquired from Bolloré complete those of Ceva Logistics, a company already acquired in 2019, very strongly positioned in the transpacific market and the transport of industrial products, in particular finished vehicles (automobiles, trucks, etc.) and computer equipment.
Bolloré Logistics is more focused on France, transatlantic trade and Asia-Europe. It specializes in the transport of high value-added products, such as luxury products, perfumes, cosmetics and aerospace. Thanks to the acquisition of Bolloré Logistics, the turnover of the logistics division should in the future represent 40% of that of CMA CGM, with 21.5 billion dollars.
Read alsoRodolphe Saadé, discreet billionaire of the French CMA CGM empire
(And with AFP)