GROUPE MALHERBE acquired by GEODIS
Context
In a major market consolidation move, the logistics giant GEODIS has signed an agreement to acquire the Groupe Malherbe. This "Corporate" transaction marks the exit of financial investors (Siparex, etc.) and the end of Malherbe's independent LBO cycles. By integrating Malherbe, GEODIS significantly strengthens its French road transport network, creating a combined entity with EUR2 billion in revenue solely in this segment (Road Transport), capable of competing with European leaders.
As a reminder, following its acquisition by Arkea Capital / Unexo / Socadif in 2018, the company led an active consolidation strategy by acquiring Lm Trans Fret (2023).
GROUPE MALHERBE, which reported an EBITDA margin of LOGIN in 2024, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of LOGIN, a level to compare with the average currently observed in the Business Services sector (11.1x).
Note that this data is based on contribution from our growing community, composed of M&A and Private Equity professionals, and has been verified by our team to ensure its accuracy.
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Target
One of the leading French transport and logistics organizers (ranked top 3 in general cargo). The group operates a hybrid model combining its own fleet (~1,400 trucks) and a vast chartering network. It handles general freight, bulk, and temperature-controlled transport for the agri-food, construction, and retail industries.
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Historical Financials (EUR)
Other operations with GROUPE MALHERBE
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector | Deal Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02/2023 | GROUPE MALHERBE | LM TRANS FRET | FRANCE | Transport & Logistics | The group finalizes the acquisition of LM Trans Fret, a regional transport operator specializing in freight forwarding, chartering, and pallet distribution, primarily serving the agri-food and industrial sectors. This bolt-on transaction perfectly aligns with the acquirer's strategy to densify its geographical footprint. By integrating this player, the group optimizes its domestic and regional transport flows, and unlocks commercial synergies across a diversified industrial customer base, further consolidating its position as an entrenched, end-to-end supply chain partner. |
| 12/2018 | ARKEA CAPITAL / UNEXO / SOCADIF | GROUPE MALHERBE | FRANCE | Transport & Logistics | The management team reorganized the capital structure to consolidate their majority position. Existing sponsors Siparex and NCI exited after a 5-year cycle. The new investor pool (Arkea, Unexo, Socadif) injected EUR35 million in equity. It is leveraged by a senior debt package of over EUR50 million arranged by BNP Paribas. The goal is to reach EUR420 million in revenue by 2021 through further buy-and-build operations. |
REFERENCES
Valuation range: EV 100M - 350M EUR
Revenue range: 250M - 500M EUR
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Authors: verified mynth contributor (mynth data is contributed by M&A / PE professionals and systematically cross-verified with private deal documents and official press releases).
Target: groupe malherbe
Acquirer: geodis