French container shipping firm CMA CGM to buy 25% stake in Ceva Logistics

April 20, 2018: French container shipping company CMA CGM announced that it would buy a stake of around 25 percent in Ceva Logistics, which is being listed on the Swiss stock market. With this transaction, CMA CGM aims to grow its presence in the logistics sector, a business closely related to shipping.

CMA CGM has committed to subscribe for mandatory convertible securities of CEVA in an estimated amount between 380 and 450 million CHF. These securities will be convertible into CEVA common shares subject to obtaining all required regulatory approvals. This equity investment takes place in connection with CEVA’s planned initial public offering on the SIX Swiss Exchange, announced on 20th April 2018, and remains conditioned upon its successful completion.

A global leader in logistics and with more than 56,000 employees and temporary/agency workers in 160 countries, CEVA posted revenues of over 7 billion dollars in 2017. CEVA is the #5 player in contract logistics, providing end-to-end supply chain solutions, and managing more than 9 million sqm. of warehouses in more than 750 sites in the world. It is also ranked 10th in the world in freight forwarding, with a strong footprint in Asia. Its long-standing blue-chip customer base includes leading players in the automobile, consumer & retail (including e-commerce), industrial & aerospace, technology and healthcare sectors.

Following this equity investment, CMA CGM will nominate two members of CEVA’s Board of Directors. The two companies have agreed to explore potential opportunities to work together towards the development of joint commercial offerings, according to terms that will be defined in the coming months.

The closing of the transaction remains subject to the completion of CEVA’s IPO as well as to the approval from regulatory authorities.

“With this proposed investment in CEVA, CMA CGM makes a significant move, in line with its development strategy. CEVA is a major player in the logistics business, which is closely related to the shipping industry. Together, the two companies will also explore possible cooperations allowing us to propose an ever more differentiated and qualitative offering while integrating services beyond maritime transport," said Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM, on the proposed transaction.