First estimates put the value of the deal at around 800 million euros. RLE includes Hexafret, Captrain France, VIIA, Naviland Cargo, Forwardis and Technis, making it the largest player in the country.

Rail Logistics Europe (RLE), which groups the rail freight subsidiaries of the SNCF Group, will be (partly) privatised. After days of rumours, interest from CMA CGM was confirmed by a meeting between the head of the two companies, Jean Castex and Rodolphe Saadé.

Announced at the end of 2025, the sale of 49% of the capital of RLE took a further step earlier this week with the appointment of two investment banks to oversee the process. First estimates put the value of the deal at around 800 million euros. RLE includes Hexafret, Captrain France, VIIA, Naviland Cargo, Forwardis and Technis, making it the largest player in the country.

CMA CGM’s expansion

For companies like CMA CGM, vertical integration is the name of the game. The acquisition of the capital of RLE would follow the recent takeover of the intermodal segment of Freightliner UK, finalised at the end of January. Over the past few years, the French shipping company expanded its logistics portfolio with the acquisition of CEVA Logistics, Bolloré Logistics and a 20% stake in the EUROGATE Terminal in Hamburg

Related : In 2025, CMA CGM reported revenue of $54.4 billion.

About : Rail Logistics Europe (RLE)

Rail Logistics Europe (RLE) is a major European freight rail multinational and a subsidiary of the SNCF Group, established in 2021 to provide integrated rail logistics. It is the leading rail logistics provider in France and second in Europe, specializing in decarbonized transport, multimodal, and cross-border freight.

About : The SNCF Group 

The SNCF Group (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Français) is the French state-owned national railway company, operating as a global leader in passenger transport and freight logistics. It manages the French rail network, stations, and provides mobility solutions across 60+ countries, focusing on low-carbon transport

#Rail Logistics Europe (RLE) #CMA CGM,# Rodolphe Saadé.#Jean Castex # SNCF Group#CEVA Logistics # EUROGATE Terminal