Press releases
23/12/25
Racine advises the majority shareholders of the Malherbe Group on a strategic transaction with Géodis
Paris, 23 December 2025 – Racine advises the majority shareholders of the Malherbe Group on their proposed sale to Geodis.
Having advised the Malherbe Group on several external growth transactions in recent years in France and internationally — including the acquisitions of Normatrans (2022), Groupe Étoile Routière (2023) and TLW (2024) — Racine supported the majority shareholders throughout the sale process.
Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Caen, the Malherbe Group is a leading player in road freight transport. In 2024, the group generated revenue of €450 million, serving clients in the agri-food, mass retail, specialised distribution, pharmaceutical, energy and construction sectors.
A subsidiary of SNCF, Geodis is a global leader in transport and logistics, operating as a freight forwarder, contract logistics provider and road haulier. With nearly 49,720 employees across approximately 166 countries, Geodis reported revenue of €11.3 billion in 2024.
Racine advised the majority shareholders of the Malherbe Group with with a multidisciplinary team comprising:
– Maud Bakouche, partner, assisted by Léopoldine Mauvais, Polina Loyko and Thibault de Dieuleveult, solicitors, on corporate aspects;
– Sylvain Bergès, partner, assisted by Rémi Bourdin, solicitor, on regulatory and transport law aspects;
– Quentin Cournot, partner, assisted by Romain Taugourdeau, solicitor, on tax matters;
– Guillaume Thuleau, partner, assisted by Noa Wolff, solicitor, on employment law matters;
– Guillaume Fabre, partner, assisted by Emilia Staneva, on competition law matters;
– Sophie Pasquesoone, partner, accompanied by Claire Burlin and Lucie Bonnet, solicitors, on commercial contracts;
– Barna Evva, partner, accompanied by Hind Mahsas, solicitor, on financing aspects;
– Philippe Johnston, counsel, accompanied by Ophélie Vo, solicitor, on property law aspects.
Willkie Farr & Gallagher advised Geodis on corporate matters.
Claris Avocats advised the minority shareholders.
Edmond de Rothschild advised the Malherbe Group on financial aspects.
CACIB advised Geodis on financial aspects..
