Kuehne+Nagel inks multi-year logistics pact with Amazon and AWS

Kuehne+Nagel disclosed a multi-year collaboration with Amazon that covers every phase of Amazon Web Services' data-center infrastructure, from building and equipment rollout to ongoing maintenance and future expansions. The contract includes a call option allowing Amazon to acquire Kuehne+Nagel shares in cash or stock, with vesting tied to specific performance targets over a period that could extend to seven years. The Swiss carrier said it has hired a financial institution to manage share-hedging linked to the option.

CEO Stefan Paul said the agreement lays the groundwork for a new level of global customer service for Amazon. Analysts anticipate the deal will strengthen Kuehne+Nagel’s position in the data-center logistics sector. The announcement follows the recent death of controlling shareholder Klaus-Michael Kuehne and comes as U.S. authorities investigate Apex Logistics, a Kuehne+Nagel unit, for allegedly facilitating illegal export of Nvidia AI chips to China.