The acquisition remains subject to customary regulatory approvals, including clearance from Germany's Federal Cartel Office. Following completion, Schäflein's current owners, Achim and Bernd Schäflein, will retain a minority shareholding and continue to play an active role in the company's leadership.
Expanding into Europe’s Largest Logistics Market
For FM Logistic, the acquisition provides a strategic foothold in Germany, a market that has long been considered essential for any logistics provider seeking a truly pan-European presence. The move significantly strengthens the company's geographic coverage and creates new opportunities to serve international customers across Europe.
According to FM Logistic CEO Jean-Christophe Machet, the company was looking for more than additional logistics capacity. The acquisition was driven by Schäflein's strong industrial expertise, technical know-how, and reputation for operational excellence.
Industrial Expertise and Automation Capabilities
Schäflein generates a substantial portion of its revenue from the industrial and mobility sectors, making it an attractive partner for FM Logistic as it continues to diversify beyond its traditional markets. The German company is particularly recognized for its advanced automation capabilities through its in-house technology unit LOCIT and its expertise in reusable packaging management through the SprintBOX platform.
The acquisition is also expected to support FM Logistic’s sustainability ambitions, as Schäflein has invested heavily in decarbonization initiatives and innovative logistics solutions designed to improve operational efficiency.
Continuity for Customers and Employees
FM Logistic emphasized that Schäflein's management structure will remain unchanged after the transaction. Achim Schäflein will continue as CEO, Bernd Schäflein as COO, and Christoph Heller as CFO. The Schäflein brand will also remain in place, ensuring continuity for customers, employees, and business partners.
Both companies describe the partnership as a combination of two family-owned businesses that share a long-term vision, strong customer relationships, and a focus on operational excellence.
Growth Opportunities Across Europe
The partnership is expected to unlock several growth opportunities, including supporting FM Logistic's international clients in Germany, integrating transportation networks, expanding industrial logistics services, and accelerating Schäflein's expansion beyond its traditional strongholds in southern Germany.
As competition intensifies across the European logistics sector, the transaction highlights the growing importance of scale, technology, and geographic reach. For FM Logistic, the acquisition represents one of its most significant strategic moves in recent years and strengthens its ambition to become a leading pan-European logistics provider.
