Savino Del Bene expands in Spain with three-company logistics acquisition
What's the deal? Florence-based freight forwarding group Savino Del Bene has acquired three companies belonging to Spain's Grupo Marítima Sureste, strengthening its foothold in the Iberian logistics market. The deal, announced on May 5, covers Marítima Sureste Shipping, Marítima Sureste Spain, and Transportes Gaypemar — all based in Spain's Murcia region.
The acquisition brings substantial physical infrastructure: a main logistics hub in El Estrecho spanning over 50,000sqm, an 8,000sqm warehouse in Cheste, and a 10,000sqm warehouse at the Nonduermas railway terminal, where the company holds an exclusive ADIF concession for managing rail freight and container trains. Additional facilities in Almería and Algeciras are also included.
Why now? The deal gives Savino Del Bene control of the strategic Murcia–Almería–Algeciras corridor, a key logistics route in southeastern Spain. Crucially, it adds intermodal, rail, and in-house transport capabilities — areas where demand is growing as shippers seek alternatives to road-only freight.
"The rail component becomes strategically relevant, enabling us to provide more efficient and sustainable alternatives to road transport while maintaining competitiveness in both costs and transit times," said Gianni Bachini, Savino Del Bene's regional director for France, Spain, and Portugal.
What could go wrong? Integrating three separate companies — each with its own operations and specialisation — carries execution risk. Savino Del Bene says all three entities will remain independent within the group, which could ease the transition but may also limit the synergies the deal is meant to deliver.
The signal: The acquisition fits a broader pattern in global logistics: large freight forwarders are buying regional specialists to deepen their geographic reach and add asset-heavy capabilities like warehousing and rail. As supply chains grow more complex and sustainability pressures mount, owning intermodal infrastructure — rather than relying on third parties — is becoming a competitive advantage.
For Savino Del Bene, a family-owned group with a global network, the move signals continued appetite for bolt-on deals that strengthen its European corridor capabilities without overhauling its decentralised operating model.
Read more: savinodelbene.com
