Dutch multimodal logistics operator Samskip has received regulatory approval for the sale of its UK and Ireland freight business to Luxembourg-based short-sea shipping and logistics group CLdN, with JBR acting as exclusive M&A advisor throughout the transaction process.

According to Consultancy UK, the deal covers Samskip's container shipping services between Rotterdam and ports in the UK and Ireland, including Belfast, Blyth, Grangemouth, Hull and Tilbury in the UK and Cork, Dublin and Waterford in Ireland. The routes currently carry out more than 1,000 port calls annually, serving a broad customer base across the corridor.

Ólafur Orri Ólafsson, chief executive officer of Samskip, said: "This transaction allows us to focus on the key strategic markets of the future, where we will continue to invest in our organisation and further develop our longer-distance trades where we deliver the most value to our customers. At the same time, selling the UK and Ireland trades to a strong partner will secure the continuation of this trade and guarantee a high coverage for our customers in the respective markets."

Florent Maes, chief executive officer of CLdN, said: "CLdN has a long history of connecting mainland Europe with the UK and Irish markets, and this transaction is highly complementary to our existing shipping and multimodal activities. Customers will benefit from an even broader array of shipping options, increased sailing frequency and enhanced door-to-door equipment and services."

The transaction also covers door-to-door cargo services connecting the UK and Ireland with continental Europe, including the transfer of lease agreements for more than 5,000 multimodal cargo units spanning containers, reefers, curtain-side units, flat racks and high-cube reefer containers.

For Samskip, the divestment forms part of a strategic refocus on longer-distance multimodal trades across mainland Europe, the Nordics, the Baltics and North Africa. The deal was announced in February and has now received full regulatory clearance, with integration into the CLdN network scheduled to follow.

JBR partner Rick ter Maat said: "Congratulations to the teams at Samskip and CLdN on reaching this important milestone and thanks to all parties who contributed throughout this successful divestment process."