KKR pushes Japan shipper Logisteed to M&A-fueled growth

Deals funded with sale of logistics assets seen propelling company toward relisting

20250121N Logisteed

Logisteed switched to an asset-light model under KKR's ownership. (Logisteed)

KAI ISHIZAKI

TOKYO -- A fast-moving program of acquisitions and structural reform under private equity firm KKR's ownership has helped Japanese shipper Logisteed approach 1 trillion yen ($6.41 billion) in revenue and aim for a return to public markets, even in a turbulent environment.

U.S.-based KKR acquired the company, then known as Hitachi Transport System, in 2023 for about 670 billion yen, delisting it and changing its name to Logisteed -- a portmanteau of "logistics" and "speed."

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