FM Logistic has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in German logistics group Schäflein, a move designed to accelerate its expansion in Europe.
The transaction will give FM Logistic access to Germany, Europe’s largest logistics market, while strengthening the company’s position as a leading pan-European supply chain operator.
The deal is also expected to expand FM Logistic’s capabilities in industrial logistics and mobility. Schäflein generates nearly 40% of its revenue from the industrial sector and a further 27% from mobility-related activities. At the same time, Schäflein will gain access to the international platform needed to support its next stage of growth.
Both companies have family-business roots and stress the importance of continuity. Schäflein’s current management team will remain in place, while the company is expected to retain its family character.
FM Logistic said the transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including approval from Germany’s Federal Cartel Office, the Bundeskartellamt.
Expansion into Germany and stronger industrial expertise
The planned acquisition is part of FM Logistic’s strategy to diversify geographically and accelerate growth in industrial services.
Through Schäflein, FM Logistic will gain a strong and established German market player with significant expertise in industrial supply chains. The company brings advanced technological capabilities through its specialised LOCIT unit, a high level of automation, and experience in managing reusable packaging through its SprintBOX solution.
Schäflein has also developed expertise in decarbonisation, an area becoming increasingly important for logistics operators and their customers.
Jean-Christophe Machet, CEO of FM Logistic, said the two companies share a similar long-term approach.
“FM Logistic and Schäflein share the same DNA: both are family businesses guided by a long-term vision and thinking in terms of generations,” Machet said. “Our entry into Germany, Europe’s largest market, is based on a deliberate choice of the best and most capable partner. Our goal was not simply to increase operational capacity, but to gain valuable industrial know-how.”
He added that FM Logistic intends to invest in Schäflein’s development and build a significant pan-European market leader together.
Management and brand continuity
Following completion of the transaction, Schäflein’s operational management is expected to remain unchanged.
Achim Schäflein will continue as CEO, Bernd Schäflein as COO and Christoph Heller as CFO. Current shareholders Achim and Bernd Schäflein will also remain shareholders in the business.
For customers, the companies say the transaction should not result in operational disruption or changes to existing points of contact. The Schäflein brand will remain in use in the near term, reflecting the company’s strong local market position.
Over the coming years, the partners plan to introduce a gradual transformation strategy as part of the broader cooperation with FM Logistic.
Four areas of growth
The partnership is expected to focus on four main growth areas.
First, FM Logistic plans to expand services for its international customers in Germany, a market seen as having significant potential for the group.
Second, the companies aim to integrate FM Logistic’s transport flows into Schäflein’s domestic and international general cargo distribution network, including its logistics hub in Röthlein.
Third, FM Logistic intends to strengthen its industrial offering by applying Schäflein’s operational model in other markets where the group operates, including Poland, Slovakia, Spain and France.
Fourth, Schäflein is expected to expand further across Germany. The company has traditionally had a strong position in Bavaria, but the new strategy points to potential growth in other logistics hubs, including the Ruhr region and Leipzig.
Achim Schäflein, CEO of Schäflein, said the company had been looking for a strategic and industrial partner as part of preparations for a future generational transition.
“We were looking for a partner that would allow us to accelerate the international development of our business model while preserving our long-term vision and values,” he said. “Joining forces with FM Logistic gives us international reach while enabling us to retain our identity, management team and full commitment to our long-standing customers.”
The planned acquisition marks an important milestone in FM Logistic’s strategy to become a pan-European logistics leader. It provides the group with access to Germany’s logistics market while adding specialist expertise in industrial operations, mobility, automation, reusable packaging and decarbonisation.
