MSC Acquires Major Ownership Of AlisCargo Airlines

Mediterranean Shipping companies (MSC) has acquired a majority stake in  Milan-based air freight carrier, AlisCargo Airlines, as the shipping line continues to expand its air cargo business.

The transaction to buy a majority stake is the first step towards MSC acquiring 100% of AlisCargo Airlines.

The acquisition is expected to occur in early 2024, when AlisCargo Airlines will restart operations with the delivery of a Boeing 777F.

AlisCargo previously operated a fleet of four Boeing 777’s but ceased operations in late 2022, requesting a license suspension, as demand waned post-pandemic. The sale to MSC would be finalised once Italian regulators clear AlisCargo to restart services.

MSC Air Cargo Senior Vice President, Jannie Davel, stated: “The acquisition of a majority share in AlisCargo Airlines is a step towards expanding MSC’s Air Cargo solution capabilities, and ultimately providing our customers with a quality and consistent offering.

MSC Air Cargo was set up in September last year following similar moves by its largest competitors is the container shipping business – CMA CGM and Maersk.

The Geneva-headquartered line had previously made an unsuccessful attempt to acquire a majority stake in Alitalia successor ITA Airways.

MSC Air Cargo operates two aircraft managed by Atlas Air Worldwide between Europe, Central America and Asia and plans to add two more in the next six months.

According to a joint statement signed by the two companies revealed that “MSC has acquired the majority stake of AlisCargo Airlines, a Milan-based air freight carrier; the parties confirmed that the transaction is a first step towards the acquisition of 100% of AlisCargo Airlines by MSC, expected to happen at the beginning of 2024, once AlisCargo Airlines will restart operations with the delivery of a Boeing 777F.

“This transaction is yet another step to further developing MSC Air Cargo operations and creates a European gateway and transit point for MSC’s air cargo solutions. Furthermore, the deal complements MSC Air Cargo’s aim to expand its existing trade lane network with better coverage and increased flexibility.

The majority selling party is represented by the Leali Group, led by Mr. Domenico Alcide Leali who, after the success with Air Dolomiti started AlisCargo Airlines in 2019.

Mr. Giacomo Manzon, General Manager of AlisCargo Airlines briefly commented: “I am proud to see a group like MSC entering as a major shareholder of AlisCargo Airlines and developing further the project that Leali Group has initiated. I am thankful for MSC’s trust in us, and we will work hard together to make it a success story.”

MSC Air Cargo has been building up its air cargo offering through numerous strategic partnerships with sales agents and software providers. MSC Air Cargo provides a complementary solution to MSC’s core shipping services and operates two aircraft managed by Atlas Air Worldwide between Europe, Central America and Asia and will add two more in the next 6 months. Following the completion of the operation, MSC Air Cargo will have a new operating license and a fleet of 5 wide-body aircraft within the next 12 months.

Banca Finint acted as financial advisor to Leali Group. Gianni & Origoni acted as legal advisor to MSC and Leali Group, with two separate teams of lawyers from its Milan and Padua offices, respectively.