French shipping and logistics giant CMA CGM, led by French-Lebanese businessman Rodolphe Saade, acquired 100 percent of Lebanese distributor Fattal Group, the company announced in a press release on Wednesday.  The completion of the transaction, however, remains “subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to take place in the third quarter of 2026,” according to the statement.  “Discussions to acquire the group began in September 2025,” Joe Dakkak, managing director of CMA CGM in Lebanon and the Levant, told L’Orient-Le Jour. “But the agreement was officially signed last week.”  The value of the transaction cannot be disclosed as it “remains confidential,” Dakkak added.  “This acquisition represents a key step in our ambition to become a global leader in integrated logistics solutions covering the entire supply chain. By integrating Fattal’s strong distribution platform, we are strengthening our downstream capabilities, closer to markets and end consumers,” said Rodolphe Saade, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CMA CGM Group in the press release.  Founded in 1897, Fattal Group specializes in the warehousing, promotion and distribution of products and services for consumers, professionals and direct clients. The group is primarily active in three categories: fast-moving consumer goods and consumer electronics, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare, and perfumes, makeup and cosmetics.  “There are many synergies between our two groups: commercial synergies, operational synergies and financial synergies. Our objective is to implement these synergies in order to create value for Fattal Group and enable it to grow even further in the coming years,” Dakkak told L’Orient-Le Jour.  L’Orient Today has also learned that Joe Dakkak will be appointed chairman of the company’s board of directors.  “We will rely on Fattal’s teams, who have strong expertise and deep knowledge of their markets, to ensure operational continuity and support future growth,” he added.  The acquisition comes despite the conflict in Lebanon . “This transaction also reflects our continued confidence in Lebanon and our commitment to supporting its long-term development,” Saade said.  The Marseille-based group, and the world’s third-largest shipping company, owns a fleet of more than 650 vessels and operates 60 port terminals in 30 countries. It has significantly diversified its activities in recent years by strengthening its logistics arm and making several acquisitions in the media sector.  Over the past few years, the CMA CGM Group has made several acquisitions and investments in Lebanon, including nut and confectionery company Rifai in 2021 and Lebanese artisan chocolatier Souchet in 2023. The group also operates key container terminals at the ports of Beirut and Tripoli. (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: L'Orient Today