Brookfield Agrees to Acquire Global Air Cargo Services Provider World Freight Company from EQT and PAI Partners

Brookfield Agrees to Acquire Global Air Cargo Services Provider World Freight Company from EQT and PAI Partners

(IN BRIEF) EQT and PAI Partners have agreed to sell World Freight Company to Brookfield through its private equity business. WFC is one of the world’s leading independent providers of outsourced air cargo management services, supporting more than 300 airlines and 16,000 freight forwarders across over 80 countries. During EQT and PAI’s ownership, the company completed 20 acquisitions, expanded globally and invested heavily in digital and AI-enabled logistics capabilities. The transaction highlights continued investor confidence in the global logistics and air freight sector as supply chains become increasingly technology-driven and internationally interconnected.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 15-May-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — EQT and PAI Partners have agreed to sell World Freight Company (WFC), a major global provider of air cargo management services, to Brookfield through its private equity business, marking another significant transaction in the international logistics and supply chain sector.

Founded in 2004, WFC has developed into one of the world’s largest independent general sales and service agent (GSSA) platforms serving the air freight industry. The company works with airlines to market and manage cargo capacity while overseeing operational functions including booking coordination, cargo handling and shipment management across global trade routes.

Today, WFC supports more than 300 airlines, operates across 3,500 trade lanes and serves over 16,000 freight forwarders in more than 80 countries. Its services have become increasingly important as airlines and logistics providers seek more efficient ways to manage complex and fast-changing global supply chains.

During their ownership period, EQT and PAI supported a major expansion and transformation programme at WFC, combining organic growth initiatives with acquisitions and technology investments. Over the course of the partnership, the company completed 20 acquisitions, expanded its international footprint and strengthened both its digital infrastructure and operational capabilities.

The investors also focused on enhancing WFC’s technology platform, including the development of AI-enabled tools and digital systems aimed at improving efficiency, customer service and cargo management capabilities for airline and freight forwarding customers worldwide.

EQT described the investment period as one of significant evolution for the company. Janice Leow, Head of Private Capital in Southeast Asia at EQT, said the business had strengthened its position within global supply chains through expansion, innovation and ongoing investment in customer-focused capabilities. She also credited WFC’s leadership team, led by Group CEO Vikram Singh, for driving the company’s growth and execution strategy.

PAI Partners highlighted the scale of WFC’s transformation during its investment period. Guillaume Leblanc, Partner at PAI Partners, said the company had evolved into a large-scale global platform with differentiated operational and technological capabilities, positioning it for further growth under Brookfield’s ownership.

WFC management also acknowledged the role played by EQT and PAI in supporting the company’s expansion strategy. Group CEO Vikram Singh said the partnerships had enabled WFC to strengthen its platform, invest in innovation and expand its capabilities globally. He added that the company now looks forward to continuing its growth plans in collaboration with Brookfield.

The transaction reflects continued investor interest in logistics, transportation and supply chain infrastructure businesses, particularly companies benefiting from digitalisation and growing demand for global freight management services. The air cargo industry has undergone major structural shifts in recent years as supply chains become more interconnected, data-driven and operationally complex.

Brookfield’s acquisition of WFC is expected to further support the company’s long-term expansion and operational development as the market for outsourced cargo management and logistics services continues to evolve.

Deutsche Bank acted as lead financial advisor to EQT, PAI and WFC on the transaction, while Freshfields served as legal advisor to EQT.

The acquisition remains subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

About EQT
EQT is a purpose-driven global investment organization with EUR 269 billion in total assets under management (EUR 142 billion in fee-generating assets under management) as of 31 March 2026, within two business segments – Private Capital and Real Assets. EQT owns portfolio companies and assets in Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas and supports them in achieving sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership.

More info: www.eqtgroup.com
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About PAI Partners

PAI Partners is a pre-eminent private equity firm investing in market-leading companies across the globe. The Firm has c. €25 billion of assets under management and, since 1994, has completed over 100 investments in 13 countries and realized c. €33 billion in proceeds from over 70 exits.

PAI has built an outstanding track record through partnering with ambitious management teams, where its unique perspective, unrivalled sector experience and long-term vision enable companies to pursue their full potential – and push beyond. Learn more at www.paipartners.com.

About World Freight Company

World Freight Company is a leading global provider of outsourced air cargo management services, combining commercial, operational and digital capabilities for airlines and freight forwarders worldwide. Through its integrated platform, WFC supports cargo sales, capacity management, pricing, booking and end-to-end shipment execution across more than 80 countries. The company serves over 300 airline customers globally and is recognized as one of the world’s leading independent GSSA platforms. For more information, please visit https://www.worldfreightcompany.com/

Media Contacts:

EQT:
EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com

PAI Partners:
Dania Saidam
+44 20 7297 4678

SOURCE: EQT