The freight forwarding industry in the Nordics plays a vital role in facilitating international trade. It consists of companies that manage the transportation of goods by coordinating logistics across various modes—air, sea, and land. These firms range from global giants like A.P. Moller - Maersk to innovative startups, providing services such as customs clearance, documentation, and consolidation. With a growing emphasis on digitalization and sustainability, the industry is adapting to include advanced technology for tracking shipments and eco-friendly practices. As e-commerce and global supply chains expand, the Nordic freight forwarding sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.


This list features prominent investors in the Nordic freight forwarding sector, representing both corporate and venture capital players. The investors include established firms like DSV and EQT Group, headquartered across major cities such as Copenhagen and Stockholm. Their employee bases vary, with some employing over 10,000. Founded between the late 19th and early 21st century, they significantly shaped the logistics landscape. In 2024 alone, these investors engaged in numerous funding rounds, reflecting their commitment to advancing freight forwarding solutions. With investment counts ranging from 1 to 30 deals, their strategic involvement is key to industry innovation.


Top 12 Freight Forwarding Investors in the Nordics


1. A.P. Moller - Maersk

  • Website: maersk.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Founded year: 1904
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: maersk-group

A.P. Moller – Mærsk A/S is a leading logistics company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, specializing in shipping and logistics services globally. Founded in 1904, the company operates a vast network that includes shipping, port operations, supply chain management, and warehousing. In recent years, A.P. Moller - Maersk has made significant investments in the freight forwarding sector, including the acquisition of Pilot Freight Services for approximately $1.7 billion, aimed at enhancing their integrated logistics offerings. They have also participated in funding rounds for digital freight forwarders such as FreightHub, which raised $30 million in Series B financing, and Forto, which raised $50 million in Series B. Furthermore, Maersk's involvement in Loadsmart's Series C funding round highlights their strategic interest in digital freight technology, reinforcing their commitment to improving operational performance and expanding value-added services in the freight forwarding industry.


2. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. The firm has made significant investments in the logistics and freight forwarding sectors, including the acquisition of Envirotainer for $2.995 billion, a leader in temperature-controlled air cargo solutions, which highlights their focus on enhancing logistics capabilities. Additionally, EQT's investment in Parcel2Go, the UK’s largest parcel delivery marketplace, and their acquisition of Direct ChassisLink, which supports intermodal freight transportation, further exemplify their strategic interest in the freight forwarding industry. Their recent acquisition of Constellation Cold Logistics also indicates a continued commitment to logistics and supply chain solutions.


3. NTG | Nordic Transport Group A/S


NTG | Nordic Transport Group A/S is a logistics company based in Hvidovre, Denmark, specializing in freight forwarding and transportation services. Founded in 2011, NTG has grown significantly and currently employs between 1001 and 5000 people. The company offers a comprehensive range of logistics solutions, including road, ocean, and air freight, as well as customs and project transport services. NTG operates with a decentralized business model, allowing them to provide tailored logistics solutions to businesses across various industries. Notably, NTG has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its position in the freight forwarding market, including the acquisition of Ebrex Business Solutions Ltd. in December 2019, which reported revenues of EUR 41.4 million in 2018. Additionally, NTG acquired a 61% stake in Combino East in September 2018 to strengthen its operations in the transport of frozen and cooled goods. Other significant acquisitions include the Gondrand Group in January 2018 and Saga Trans AS in November 2020, further demonstrating NTG's commitment to expanding its footprint in the freight forwarding industry.


4. DSV - Global Transport and Logistics

  • Website: dsv.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Hedehusene, Denmark
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: dsv

DSV - Global Transport and Logistics, founded in 1976 and based in Hedehusene, Denmark, is a leading logistics company that specializes in transport and logistics solutions across air, sea, road, and rail. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, DSV caters primarily to businesses in various sectors, including automotive and healthcare, focusing on optimizing supply chains and ensuring efficient delivery of goods globally. The company has made significant strides in the freight forwarding industry through strategic acquisitions. Notably, in 2019, DSV acquired Panalpina for $4.658 billion, enhancing its global freight forwarding capabilities. In 2024, DSV announced its intention to acquire DB Schenker from Deutsche Bahn for €14.3 billion, marking a major expansion in its logistics operations. Additionally, DSV has acquired regional freight forwarders such as the Swift Freight Group in 2012 and Ontime Logistics AS in 2013, further solidifying its presence in the freight forwarding market. These transactions highlight DSV's commitment to growing its freight forwarding business and its strategic approach to enhancing its service offerings.


5. Dfds

  • Website: dfds.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Founded year: 1866
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: dfds

DFDS, founded in 1866 and based in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a prominent logistics and ferry operator that provides both passenger and freight transportation services across Europe. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, DFDS operates a comprehensive network of ferry routes and logistics solutions tailored for businesses. In recent years, DFDS has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the freight forwarding sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Ekol Logistics in November 2024, HSF Logistics Nijmegen B.V. in January 2021 for DKK 2.2 billion, and the Estron Group in July 2023, which enhances its logistics network in Europe and the UK. Additionally, DFDS acquired Lucey Transport Logistics in July 2022 to strengthen its domestic offerings in Ireland and McBurney Transport in December 2022 to expand its cold chain logistics capabilities in the UK and Ireland. These acquisitions reflect DFDS's strategic focus on enhancing its freight forwarding services and logistics solutions.


6. Elanders

  • Website: elanders.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Gothenburg, Västra Götaland, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1908
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: elanders

Elanders is a corporate investor based in Gothenburg, Sweden, founded in 1908. The company specializes in logistics and printing, offering integrated solutions within supply chain management across various industries, including Automotive, Electronics, and Health Care. Elanders has been actively expanding its logistics capabilities through strategic acquisitions. In 2024, they acquired 88.5% of Bishopsgate, a UK company focused on special transportation and installation of medical devices, enhancing their Life Cycle Management services. Additionally, they acquired Kammac, a UK-based contract logistics company, for over GBP 100 million, which strengthens their position in one of Europe's largest logistics markets. These transactions highlight Elanders' commitment to enhancing their logistics and freight forwarding capabilities, making them a significant player in the industry.


7. Volvo Group

  • Website: volvogroup.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Sweden
  • Founded year: 1927
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: volvo-group

Volvo Group is a prominent manufacturing company based in Sweden, founded in 1927, specializing in the production of trucks, buses, construction equipment, and marine and industrial engines. The company serves various businesses in the transportation and construction sectors, providing efficient and sustainable solutions to enhance their operations. In addition to its core manufacturing activities, Volvo Group has actively invested in innovative companies within the logistics and freight forwarding space. Notable transactions include their investment in Cargomatic, which raised $8 million in Series A funding, and Flock Freight, which secured $113.5 million in Series C funding. Furthermore, Volvo Group participated in a $100 million Series D financing round for FourKites, a company focused on supply chain visibility solutions. These investments reflect Volvo Group's commitment to innovation and sustainability in the transportation sector, particularly in enhancing logistics and freight forwarding capabilities.


8. Creandum

  • Website: creandum.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 2003
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: creandum

Creandum is a venture capital firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in supporting early-stage entrepreneurs in building global, category-defining companies across various sectors, including fintech and health tech. Creandum provides venture capital investment, strategic support, and networking opportunities to startups, nurturing them from seed to IPO. Notably, Creandum has invested in cargo.one, a German digital booking platform for air cargo, which raised a total of $42 million in Series B funding and $18 million in Series A funding, highlighting the firm's engagement in the freight forwarding industry. Additionally, Creandum invested in Xeneta, which raised $28.5 million in Series C funding, offering data and analytics for shipping rates, further emphasizing their relevance in the logistics and freight forwarding sector.


9. VNV Global AB

  • Website: vnv.global
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: vostok-new-ventures-ltd

VNV Global AB is a Stockholm-based venture capital firm founded in 1996, focusing on providing capital and expertise to innovative companies across various sectors, including Mobility and Digital Health. Their investment strategy emphasizes long-term profitability and the creation of strong market positions. In the context of freight forwarding, VNV Global has participated in several significant transactions, including Dostavista, a same-day delivery service that raised $15 million in Series B funding, and Borzo, a delivery startup that raised $35 million in Series C funding. Borzo operates in multiple countries and has a substantial customer base, fulfilling millions of orders monthly. Additionally, VNV Global invested in Wefast, a crowdsourced same-day delivery service that also raised $15 million in Series B funding. These investments demonstrate VNV Global's commitment to supporting scalable and sustainable logistics solutions, making them a relevant player in the freight forwarding industry.


10. Accent Equity


Accent Equity is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in investments in private Nordic companies, focusing on enhancing the value of its portfolio through strategic management and investment to create sustainable growth and superior returns. Notably, Accent Equity has been involved in several acquisitions relevant to the freight forwarding industry, including Jetpak, a logistics company acquired in 2006, and Tommy Nordbergh Åkeri, a transport company acquired in 2016. These transactions highlight Accent Equity's commitment to investing in the logistics and transportation sectors, which are integral to freight forwarding. Additionally, their acquisition of Tempcon Group, which operates in temperature-controlled logistics, further emphasizes their involvement in the broader logistics landscape.


11. Scania Group

  • Website: scania.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sweden
  • Founded year: 1891
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: scania

Scania Group, founded in 1891 and based in Sweden, is a leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles, including heavy trucks and buses. The company is dedicated to providing a range of services such as repair, maintenance, and financial solutions tailored for businesses in the transportation and logistics sectors. In recent years, Scania has demonstrated its commitment to the freight forwarding industry through significant investments in logistics technology. Notably, Scania participated in multiple funding rounds for Sennder, a Berlin-based logistics tech startup, contributing to their Series A, B, C, and D rounds, which collectively raised over €131 million. This involvement highlights Scania's strategic focus on enhancing efficiency and sustainability in logistics operations, making them a relevant player in the freight forwarding investment landscape.


12. Polaris Private Equity


Polaris Private Equity is a private equity firm based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 1998. The firm specializes in investment management, focusing on supporting mid-sized companies in the Nordic region through tailored investment strategies, including private equity, flexible capital, and public equity. Polaris partners with management teams to drive growth and operational improvements, helping these companies realize their full potential. Notably, Polaris has made significant investments in the freight forwarding sector, including the acquisition of Link Logistics A/S, Denmark's largest broker in express and courier transportation services, and Jetpak, a key player in the logistics industry. These strategic acquisitions highlight Polaris's commitment to enhancing operational capabilities and growth within the freight forwarding space, making them a notable investor in this field.



Freight Forwarding Insights: Key Investors in the Nordics


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
A.P. Moller - MaerskCopenhagen, Denmark10001+19044
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
NTG | Nordic Transport Group A/SHvidovre, Denmark1001-500020113
DSV - Global Transport and LogisticsHedehusene, Denmark10001+19761
DfdsCopenhagen, Denmark10001+18662
ElandersGothenburg, Västra Götaland, Sweden5001-1000019082
Volvo GroupSweden10001+19274
CreandumStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-50200317
VNV Global ABStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1-1019961
Accent EquityStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5019944
Scania GroupSweden10001+18916
Polaris Private EquityCopenhagen, Denmark51-20019984


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