By: Economy Middle east

AD Ports Group, a leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry, and logistics solutions, announced the signing of an agreement to acquire MBS Logistics. The Germany-based global integrated logistics services provider is being acquired for an Enterprise Value of AED300 million ($81.7 million).

The transaction entails 100 percent ownership of the core business of MBS Logistics, excluding the joint ventures of the company, and represents another significant step in the strategy of the group to enhance operational scale, manage larger volumes, and expand its global footprint. MBS Logistics reported revenues of AED870 million, or EUR205 million, in 2025 with industry-standard margins, reflecting a diversified and asset-light business model with core freight forwarding operations in Germany and Central Europe, alongside an established network across China, Vietnam, and the United States.

The transaction builds on strong foundations and a global network established by Noatum Logistics, the logistics arm of the group. Under the leadership of Jochen Thewes, the recently appointed CEO of its Logistics Cluster, the group is pursuing an expansion strategy that combines organic growth with targeted, value-accretive acquisitions. The addition of MBS Logistics provides an important entry point into the vital Central European market through its well-established network across key German multimodal logistics hubs, while broadening the trade lane offering of the group. The combination increases network density and unlocks meaningful revenue and cost synergies through cross-selling opportunities, greater procurement scale, and improved cost efficiency by managing shipments within the combined network.

Strategic hub expansion

Jochen Thewes, CEO of the Logistics Cluster at AD Ports Group, stated that bringing MBS Logistics into the ecosystem is the right move at the right time, especially as markets seek greater connectivity and resilience in an evolving global trade and logistics landscape. He added that the transaction provides the group with an established operating platform with deep expertise and immediate access to key Central European and global logistics corridors. Thewes also noted that as the third-largest trading economy in the world, Germany offers a strong domestic base and plays a central role in trade with leading global economies. Linking it to the wider network will help the group capture greater volumes, drive more competitive rates, and deliver the reliability clients expect, while allowing the combined strengths of both organizations to raise their game and compete more effectively for major global accounts.

With close to forty years of industry experience, MBS Logistics adds a network of 26 offices worldwide and a global team of over 450 professionals to the group. This addition supplements the network of Noatum Logistics, which includes over 80 owned offices located across 26 countries, supported by a team of over 4,250 industry specialists. The core freight forwarding services of MBS Logistics span air, ocean, road, and rail transport, complemented by contract logistics, project cargo, customs and compliance, and time-critical multimodal solutions.

Portfolio diversification benefits

The company serves a wide range of industries including aerospace, automotive, apparel and footwear, retail and consumer goods, home furniture, e-commerce, engineering, technology, fast-moving consumer goods, healthcare, and several other key sectors. While aerospace represents a completely new segment for the group, the exposure of MBS Logistics to the automotive sector across Central Europe enhances the logistics offering of the group in an industry regarded as a key business driver. Its core freight forwarding operations are anchored in Germany, giving the group immediate access to major European logistics hubs.

The position of the country as a key European and global logistics gateway provides a strong platform for further expansion across continental Europe, including the Nordics, Benelux, Switzerland, and Eastern Europe. In addition, the presence of MBS Logistics across China and Vietnam further enhances the ability of the group to manage greater cargo volumes on Europe-Asia and Trans-Pacific routes. It also operates offices on the eastern seaboard of the United States, furthering connectivity along Trans-Atlantic trade lanes. Completion of the acquisition remains subject to European Union regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the second half of 2026.