Japanese logistics group Nippon Express Holdings, known as NX Group, has completed its acquisition of Canadian third-party logistics provider Metro Supply Chain Group, strengthening its North American presence and advancing its strategy to expand global contract logistics operations.
NX Group acquired all shares in Montreal-headquartered Metro Supply Chain Group on 1 October 2026. The completion was marked by an employee town hall meeting and closing ceremony in Montreal on 7 October, attended by NX Group president and chief executive Satoshi Horikiri, Metro Supply Chain founder and group chairman Chiko Nanji, and other senior executives.
The companies said the meeting provided an opportunity to outline their shared vision and reaffirm their commitment to working together to support sustainable growth across North America and international markets.
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The acquisition follows a share purchase agreement announced in April 2026. NX Group valued the transaction at C$1.8 billion on an enterprise-value basis, with a potential additional earn-out payment of up to C$400 million, subject to the achievement of specified financial targets. The deal represents the largest acquisition in NX Group’s history.
Expanding North American contract logistics
Metro Supply Chain Group operates primarily in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, providing contract logistics and supply chain services to customers across multiple industries.
Its customer base spans retail and consumer goods, automotive and manufacturing, healthcare and wellness, technology and services, and the public sector. Its operations include warehousing, distribution, fulfilment and inventory management, giving NX Group a broader platform for serving customers with complex supply chain requirements.
NX Group expects the acquisition to strengthen its regional operating base, expand its contract logistics capabilities and improve its ability to offer integrated logistics solutions across North America.
The addition of Metro also provides an established network of customer relationships and operational expertise in markets where NX Group has identified opportunities for further growth.
Building a global contract logistics platform
Beyond North America, NX Group plans to use Metro as a core platform for developing its global contract logistics business. The strategy includes leveraging Metro’s fulfilment capabilities, warehouse processes and automation expertise to improve operations across the wider group.
The companies also intend to explore opportunities to transfer operational best practices between their networks, potentially improving warehouse productivity, distribution efficiency and service delivery across Europe and Asia.
The integration is expected to complement NX Group’s existing international transportation and logistics services, strengthening its ability to provide customers with end-to-end supply chain solutions spanning freight movement, warehousing and final distribution.
Cross-selling to unlock further growth
Cross-selling is another priority following the acquisition. NX Group plans to introduce its international transportation services to Metro’s existing customers, while using relationships developed through contract logistics to identify opportunities for freight forwarding and customs brokerage.
The approach is intended to broaden the range of services available to customers and generate additional business across both organisations. By combining Metro’s contract logistics footprint with NX Group’s international network, the group aims to develop more integrated solutions for companies operating across multiple markets.
The transaction supports NX Group’s longer-term ambition to establish a stronger position in global logistics markets. It also reflects the growing strategic importance of contract logistics, where customers increasingly seek integrated services that combine transportation, inventory management, fulfilment and distribution.
With the acquisition complete, the focus will shift towards integrating the businesses, maintaining customer continuity and identifying opportunities to expand services across their combined network. The extent to which the transaction delivers its anticipated benefits will depend on effective integration and the successful development of cross-selling opportunities.
