Global logistics giant Kuehne + Nagel has announced its intention to acquire Eastway Global Forwarding, a family‑owned specialist in aerospace logistics based in Limerick, Ireland.
The deal, which will make Eastway a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuehne + Nagel, is designed to strengthen the Swiss company’s position in the fast‑growing aerospace sector.
The value of the transaction has not been disclosed. Completion is slated by the end of 2025, subject to various approvals.
Eastway operates across a network that spans 130 countries. It provides aircraft‑on‑ground services, aircraft engine logistics, aviation warehousing, customs brokerage and full lifecycle support for the aviation leasing industry.
“Eastway is a good fit for Kuehne + Nagel,” said Yngve Ruud, member of the management board responsible for air logistics. “The company brings with it a proven track record and a strong customer base.”
The acquisition supports Kuehne + Nagel’s “targeted bolt-on acquisition strategy” by strengthening its aerospace logistics offering globally and accelerating the company’s growth ambitions, Ruud added.
Also, Frank Junior McNamara, managing director of Eastway, welcomed the partnership: “By partnering with the world’s leading logistics company, we are taking our family-owned business into an exciting new chapter.
“Through combining our deep expertise in aerospace logistics with the global reach and capabilities of Kuehne+Nagel, we can extend our footprint and deliver world-class supply chain solutions to clients across the aerospace industry.”
The acquisition underscores Kuehne + Nagel’s ambition to strengthen its leadership in global aerospace logistics, specifically the aviation leasing segment, which is expected to grow from US$187.1 bn (£142.4bn) in 2024 to US$ 565.1bn (£429.9bn) by 2034, according to Global Market Insights.
