Japanese shipping conglomerate Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha will acquire European healthcare logistics leader Movianto International for approximately €1.25 billion ($2.1 billion), accelerating its pivot toward specialized supply chain services.
NYK’s logistics subsidiary Yusen Logistics Europe signed a put option agreement to purchase the entire share capital of Movianto from Walden Group International Holding, subject to regulatory approvals and mandatory labor consultations under European law. The deal represents the first major acquisition since NYK restructured its logistics operations in April to strengthen global management capabilities.
Movianto operates 138 facilities across 12 European countries, specializing in temperature-controlled transportation of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. The company generated approximately €790 million ($1.34 billion) in revenue during 2024 with about 5,400 employees, positioning it as a significant player in Europe’s healthcare supply chain sector.
The acquisition reflects NYK’s strategic shift away from traditional shipping toward higher-margin logistics services. The company designated logistics as a core business in its 2023 medium-term plan, following acquisitions of a UK e-commerce delivery platform in February 2024 and a Dutch automotive parts distributor in April.
Healthcare logistics has emerged as a priority growth area for Yusen Logistics, which has been expanding its medical and pharmaceutical capabilities globally. The sector demands sophisticated cold-chain management, with some products requiring storage temperatures as low as -80°C and real-time monitoring throughout distribution.
Movianto’s operations include contract logistics, fourth-party logistics consulting, and first-mile transportation from manufacturing sites to distribution centers. Its digital division, Walden Digital, provides supply chain visibility platforms that complement the group’s temperature-controlled transport capabilities.
The transaction follows NYK’s broader corporate transformation strategy, which includes establishing Yusen Logistics Global Management as the central coordination hub for worldwide operations. The restructuring aims to accelerate decision-making and enhance group-wide management efficiency.
European healthcare logistics has attracted increasing investor interest as pharmaceutical companies seek specialized providers capable of handling complex distribution requirements for biologics, vaccines, and other temperature-sensitive products. The sector has grown significantly following COVID-19 vaccine distribution challenges that highlighted the importance of reliable cold-chain infrastructure.
NYK expects the combination of Movianto’s European expertise with its global network to create opportunities for expanded service offerings across broader markets. The deal marks another step in the company’s evolution from a traditional shipping line into a diversified logistics provider.
