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Lufthansa Cargo completes acquistion of handler LUG

Lufthansa Cargo has completed its acquisition of Germany-based handler LUG aircargo handling to strengthen its infrastructure for future growth. The cargo business said the acquisition, which was announced in September but still needs to gain antitrust approval, will add capacity and flexibility for cargo handling in its home market. The handler was purchased from the Dettmer Group for an undisclosed sum. It will continue to operate in the market as a separate company under its own brand within Lufthansa Cargo. Existing customer contracts and relationships will remain in place and "business with other airlines will continue and remain an integral part of LUG's business model", Lufthansa said. "At the same time, becoming part of Lufthansa Cargo opens up additional growth opportunities for LUG," explained Lufthansa Cargo. "Building on its existing business, the company can further develop its strengths as an experienced handling partner and pursue new business opportunities." Frank Bauer, chief operations officer of Lufthansa Cargo, said: "Completing this acquisition lays an important foundation for further growth and greater flexibility in our home market. "This is about much more than additional space and capacity: LUG's employees bring extensive expertise and many years of experience in air cargo handling. "Their knowledge is highly valued by customers and essential to continued development. We warmly welcome our new colleagues and look forward to working together to seize the opportunities ahead for both companies. LUG will remain an independent partner for its existing and future customers." The acquisition will give Lufthansa Cargo access to approximately 50,000 sq m of covered warehouse space in Germany, as well as an additional 18,000 sq m of office and infrastructure space. LUG has a presence at Frankfurt, Munich and Hamburg airports. Lufthansa said the additional handling capacity will complement its existing infrastructure, including the LCCevo modernisation programme in Frankfurt, in which the company is investing around €600m.

Boluda to acquire Samskip: 'a combination to lead European shortsea shipping'

Boluda Shipping is to acquire Samskip, yet another sign of consolidation in the shortsea shipping scene, the deal intended to create a network spanning Northern Europe, the Iberian Peninsula, Canary Islands and West Africa. Subject to regulatory approval, the deal is expected to complete on New Year's Day, with the combined company's 32 vessels offering more than 750,000 teu on 18 routes across 28 countries and 21 maritime terminals, as well as five rail terminals and more than 500 trucks. Ignacio Boluda Ceballos, chair of Boluda, said: "We have a clear vision: to lead European shortsea shipping and make our network a competitive advantage for the businesses that place their trust in us. "Bringing Samskip's network and expertise together with Boluda's maritime and logistics capabilities gives us the scale and opportunities to take that ambition further." Mr Ceballos added that the deal focused on expanding connectivity between Europe and West Africa. The companies believe their combined networks will provide greater connectivity and more comprehensive end-to-end logistics services, a multimodal approach, seen as offering a way for customers to reduce CO2 emissions. Samskip CEO Ólafur Orri Ólafsson said: "Samskip and Boluda are two family-owned companies with a long track-record in transport, shared values, and a long-term vision. That common ground gives us confidence in the opportunity ahead. "By bringing our complementary strengths together, we can expand what we offer our customers while building on the expertise, commitment and service they rely on every day," added Mr Orri Ólafsson, who will continue as CEO. Already running joint services in Spain, the two operators have identified opportunities to combine the network, but with Samskip based in Rotterdam and Boluda having added presence there, the Dutch gateway is set to become a strategic hub. Until the transaction closes, both companies will continue to operate independently. Boluda said it intended to invest in the combined network to increase capacity, expand connections, and support further growth. For Samskip, it is its second sale of the year, having begun 2026 by divesting its UK and Ireland activities to Compagnie Luxembourgeoise de Navigation (CLdN), purportedly on the basis that it intended to focus on European and Nordic operations.

AIT acquires Connor Anderson

US-headquartered AIT Worldwide Logistics has finalised an agreement to acquire Australia-based freight forwarder Connor Anderson International. CAI delivers logistics support, including sea, air and road transport, customs brokerage, warehousing, and project cargo management for customers across a wide range of industries. In addition to its facility in Sydney, CAI also has a second office and warehouse in Melbourne. AIT said the acquisition is expected to strengthen AIT's specialised services for shippers in the technology industry who require logistics support to securely deliver cloud computing components and other high-value, high-touch equipment that enable artificial intelligence functions. "Notably, CAI's long-tenured team manages a wide variety of specialised cargo while increasingly emphasising distinctive services for technology companies serving the Australia and broader Oceania markets," stated AIT. "Global transportation logistics is increasingly complex, and AIT remains focused on developing reliable, customised supply chain solutions with the scope, flexibility and scalability to serve our customers' critical growth initiatives," said AIT's chief development officer, Ray Fennelly. "This acquisition, and the rapid integration that will follow, demonstrates our strategic response to customers in the region and serves as the foundation for AIT's long-term expansion to serve Oceania more broadly." He added: "CAI also features an experienced customs brokerage team, an uncommon, value-added aspect that guarantees full service, in-house support for clients with inbound shipments to Australia. "CAI and AIT have a longstanding collaborative relationship dating back to 2011. Ultimately, CAI's addition will help our customers scale faster in Oceania and execute complex projects with confidence in key industries like aerospace, automotive and technology." Terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed.