– Partners Group, one of the largest global private markets firms, agreed to sell its 24.9% stake in Apex Logistics to majority shareholder Kuehne+Nagel.
– The transaction values Apex at an enterprise value of over USD 4 billion.
– The sale marks Partners Group’s full exit from its 2021 investment, delivering a strong return for its clients.
– Closing of the transaction is expected in 2025.
– Apex Logistics was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Singapore.
– The company provides integrated global logistics solutions focused on air and sea freight, with warehousing and distribution as additional services.
– Under the partnership of Partners Group and Kuehne+Nagel, Apex was transformed into a global logistics platform.
– Key strategic initiatives included:
▪️Enhancing technology and capabilities to serve blue-chip clients.
▪️Expanding charter-flight capacity for agility and customer responsiveness.
▪️Investing in operations and infrastructure.
– As a result, Apex achieved 151% EBITDA growth over the last five years.
– The company operates 48 sites worldwide, serving over 20,000 customers in more than 70 countries.
– In 2024, Apex handled 420,000 tons of airfreight and 300,000 TEU of ocean freight.
– Industries served include semiconductors, EVs, consumer electronics, retail & fashion, perishables, and chemicals.
– Tony Song, CEO of Apex, credited Partners Group for supporting Apex’s transformation from a China-based firm into a global freight forwarder offering end-to-end supply chain solutions.
– Dr. Marcel Erni, Co-Founder and Board Member of Partners Group, highlighted the collaboration with Kuehne+Nagel as a strong example of “entrepreneurial governance in action.”
– Sheng Liu, Managing Director at Partners Group and Apex board representative, noted the firm’s role in expanding Apex internationally and positioning it for sustained growth under Kuehne+Nagel’s platform.
– Partners Group’s Private Equity business manages USD 83 billion in assets under management globally.
– Partners Group was advised by Clifford Chance, Fangda Partners, and KPMG on the transaction.
