Brookfield Acquires World Freight Company from EQT, PAI

In a significant move within the global logistics sector, Brookfield, through its private equity arm, has reached an agreement to acquire World Freight Company (WFC), a prominent player in air cargo services. This transaction marks the exit for current owners EQT and PAI Partners, who have overseen WFC's expansion into a leading global general sales and service agent (GSSA) since their investment in 2004.

WFC, established in 2004, has evolved into a critical intermediary in the air freight ecosystem. The company acts as a representative for airlines, managing the sales and operational aspects of cargo capacity across more than 3,500 trade lanes. Its extensive network connects over 300 airlines with more than 16,000 freight forwarders in over 80 countries, underscoring its vital role in facilitating international trade flows. The air cargo market, a crucial component of global supply chains, has seen increased demand for efficient and technologically advanced solutions, a trend WFC has actively addressed.

Under the stewardship of EQT and PAI Partners, WFC has undergone a substantial transformation. The investment firms supported a strategy focused on organic growth, complemented by strategic acquisitions and ongoing enhancements to the company's digital infrastructure and technological capabilities. This dual approach has enabled WFC to broaden its international reach, fortify its operational backbone, and elevate its service offerings to both airline partners and freight forwarders worldwide. The global air cargo market is projected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 4-5% over the next five years, driven by e-commerce and the need for rapid goods movement.

Janice Leow, Head of Private Capital in Southeast Asia at EQT, highlighted the firm's satisfaction with WFC's development, noting the expansion of its global presence and the advancement of its digital and AI-driven services. Similarly, Guillaume Leblanc, Partner at PAI Partners, expressed pride in the company's growth into a scaled global platform, attributing this success to 20 strategic acquisitions completed during their investment period and the development of differentiated digital and operational capabilities. Both firms acknowledged the instrumental role of Vikram Singh and the WFC leadership team in this journey.

Vikram Singh, Group CEO of WFC, conveyed gratitude to EQT and PAI Partners for their support in strengthening the company's platform and investing in innovation. He expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming partnership with Brookfield, anticipating continued execution of WFC's growth strategy and enhanced support for its global clientele. The transaction, advised by Deutsche Bank as lead financial advisor and with Freshfields providing legal counsel to EQT and PAI, is anticipated to conclude by the end of 2026, subject to standard closing conditions.