CMA CGM has acquired a majority stake in Societe Francaise de Navigation (Sofrana) Unilines via its ANL arm.
The French liner giant said the move for the New Zealand-based regional shipping line was intended to strengthen its operations in the South Pacific region.
CMA CGM described Sofrana Unilines, which has been in operation for almost 50 years, as a “key player in the Pacific islands regional maritime trade”.
Sofrana Lines had humble beginnings in 1968, shuttling a single small vessel between the French Overseas Territories of New Caledonia and Wallis & Futuna.
Today it operates a modern fleet of 10 geared multi-purpose vessels on eight trade-lanes, servicing 21 ports in eleven countries independently or in joint ventures.
The acquisition of Sofrana Unilines is expected to be completed by the end of October 2017. The current shareholders of Sofrana will retain a minority shareholding.
Benoît Marcenac will remain as managing director of Sofrana Unilines, a position he has held for the last 15 years.
"I have admired the Sofrana brand for many years for their extensive network right across the Pacific and the tailored approach to meeting their customers’ transport needs," said ANL managing director John Lines.
"We recognised that our coverage of the Pacific islands would benefit from a partnership with Sofrana which will provide a much enhanced port coverage.”
CMA CGM said the newly combined group, Sofrana ANL, will join its large portfolio of regional experts: OPDR and MacAndrews in Europe and CNC in Asia.
