At a time when GEO Group Inc is causing disruptions in global logistics, it is reported that Bruker Corporation is planning to acquire WFC for $1.2 billion.

Two sources disclosed on Thursday that Bruker Corporation is about to acquire World Freight Company (WFC) from investment companies EQT and PAI Partners for an enterprise value of around $1.2 billion. The sources stated that the parties have completed final negotiations and the deal is expected to be announced as early as Thursday. The proposed acquisition comes at a turbulent time for the global transportation industry: the situation in Iran has raised fuel prices and air freight rates, causing significant disruptions to air transport and shipping routes. Established in Paris in 2004, World Freight Company is the general sales and service agent for several airlines worldwide. Under the agreed terms, the company has exclusive rights to sell cargo capacity for airlines in specific regions, helping airlines reduce operational costs. According to the company's official website, World Freight Company operates in 80 countries with over 300 branches, managing over 3 million tons of cargo capacity for partner airlines annually. PAI and Baring Private Equity Asia (BPEA) acquired this air freight services provider in 2018, with the transaction value undisclosed and both parties holding a 50% stake. BPEA was subsequently merged into EQT, headquartered in Sweden, in 2022. Reports at the time indicated that the 2018 acquisition deal was worth over 600 million euros. Media had previously reported that EQT and PAI Partners had been seeking potential buyers in 2021, hoping to sell World Freight Company for no less than 1.5 billion euros (equivalent to $1.73 billion).