Fm Logistic: Our goal was not simply to acquire capacity, but valuable know-how
FM Logistic today announces the signing of an agreement to acquire a majority stake in the capital of German logistics group Schäfl ein. The current management, Achim and Bernd Schäfl ein, will retain an equity stake, thereby securing the continuity and family roots of the business. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including merger clearance by the German Federal Cartel Offi ce (Bundeskartellamt).
The proposed acquisition is part of FM Logistic’s strategy to strengthen its geographic diversification and accelerate its development in the industrial sector. With Schäfl ein, the company is integrating a true German champion that generates almost 40% of its revenue in industry and 27% in mobility. Schäfl ein brings highly sought-after technical expertise: a high degree of automation through its specialised in-house unit LOCIT, recognised know-how in the management of reusable containers through its SprintBOX solution, and a pioneering commitment to decarbonisation.
This union brings together two family-owned businesses that share common values and place long-term vision, operational excellence and close customer relationships at the heart of everything they do. Jean-Christophe Machet, CEO of FM Logistic, states: “FM Logistic and Schäfl ein share a common DNA: that of family owned-businesses driven by a long-term vision and thinking in terms of generations. Our entry into the German market, the largest in Europe, is based on the deliberate choice of a best-in-class partner. Our goal was not simply to acquire capacity, but valuable industrial know-how. We are investing in growth to carry forward Schäfl ein’s model and to build, together, an indispensable pan-European market leader. » A strong commitment to continuity for customers and employees Following completion of the transaction, Schäfl ein’s operational management will remain unchanged to ensure full continuity. ”
Achim Schäfl ein (CEO), Bernd Schäfl ein (COO), and Christoph Heller (CFO) will retain their leadership positions. Customers will experience no operational disruption and will keep their established points of contact. The “Schäfl ein” brand will be maintained for the foreseeable future, refl ecting the company’s strong local roots. A gradual transition strategy will be implemented over several years to refl ect the partnership with FM Logistic. Ambitious growth synergies for industrial excellence
With a clear focus on value creation and growth, the partnership is designed to drive strong expansion through four key growth levers:
● Serving international customers in Germany: providing FM Logistic’s services to its international customers in Germany – a market with high potential for the Group.
● Connecting transport networks: integrating FM Logistic’s transport fl ows into Schäfl ein’s high-performance national and international groupage network (including the hub in Röthlein).
● Enhancing the industrial off ering: enriching FM Logistic’s industrial off ering by rolling out Schäfl ein’s excellence model across the Group’s countries of operation (Poland, Slovakia, Spain, France and others).
● Growing geographically: expanding Schäfl ein in Germany beyond its Bavarian stronghold into new high-potential logistics hubs (the Ruhr region and Leipzig). Achim Schäfl ein, CEO of Schäfl ein, adds: « As we prepared the handover to the next generation, we looked for a strategic and industrial partner that could help accelerate the international growth of our business model while preserving its long-term vision and values. Joining forces with FM Logistic gives us that international reach while allowing us to preserve our identity, our management team and our absolute commitment to our long-standing customers.
