Maritime Transport, a key player in British logistics, has been acquired by Swiss company MEDLOG.
- The acquisition allows Maritime’s existing management, led by John Williams, to remain in place.
- MEDLOG aims to enhance its logistics presence in the UK through this acquisition.
- Maritime will continue expanding its eco-friendly fleet and infrastructure.
- This acquisition is part of a larger trend of British logistics firms being bought by overseas companies.
Maritime Transport, a prominent British logistics provider, has been acquired by the Swiss logistics giant MEDLOG for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition is noteworthy as Maritime becomes the latest in a series of British transport operators to be acquired by an overseas corporation. Despite the change in ownership, the existing management under the leadership of group executive chairman John Williams will persist in their roles, ensuring continuity in operations.
MEDLOG, which is headquartered in Geneva, specialises in intermodal transportation and operates in over 80 countries. MEDLOG chairman Giuseppe Prudente expressed enthusiasm for expanding their logistics footprint in the United Kingdom, highlighting the alignment of values between the two companies. He remarked that the knowledge and innovation at Maritime, supported by MEDLOG’s investment, will drive advancements in the UK’s logistics infrastructure while respecting environmental considerations.
Founded in 2001, the Felixstowe-based Maritime Transport provides integrated logistics services, including road and rail freight, container transport and storage, and warehousing. Maritime employs approximately 3,000 staff across 41 sites and runs a fleet of 1,600 trucks along with 36 daily rail services. This strategic acquisition allows MEDLOG to tap into Maritime’s robust network and resources, while leveraging its recent £30 million investment in fleet renewal and intermodal terminal expansion.
The deal also highlights a growing trend in the UK logistics sector, as more British companies are acquired by foreign entities. Recent acquisitions include companies like Wincanton by American giant GXO and Abbey Logistics by Belgian group Sitra. Such acquisitions have become increasingly common, reshaping the UK transport industry’s landscape.
Maritime has also made strides towards sustainable logistics, reflected in its participation in the government-funded Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme. The programme aims to integrate electric and hydrogen fuel cell trucks into Maritime’s operations by 2025, reinforcing its commitment to eco-friendly practices.
The acquisition of Maritime Transport by MEDLOG reflects a strategic shift towards global integration in the logistics sector.
