Australian parcel delivery disruptor Sendle has merged with two US-based logistics companies to form FAST Group, a global last-mile delivery platform headquartered in California. The strategic combination, announced on 7 August 2025, brings together Sendle, ACI Logistix, and FirstMile under a single corporate umbrella with estimated combined revenues of $130 million to $200 million annually.
Merger Details
The three-way combination creates a logistics group with operations spanning five countries and an estimated 300 to 900 employees. Kroll’s Technology and Business Services Investment Banking Practice acted as financial adviser to Sendle on the transaction, and Federation Asset Management served as a key investor in the newly formed group.
Each of the three companies brings distinct strengths to the table:
- Sendle (Australia): Founded in 2014, Sendle pioneered affordable, carbon-neutral parcel delivery for small e-commerce sellers. The company raised over $100 million in funding since 2019 and had built approximately $32.5 million in annual revenue prior to the merger.
- ACI Logistix (United States): One of the more established players in the group, ACI Logistix was founded in 1965 and specialises in shipping and on-land logistics services across the US market.
- FirstMile (United States): An e-commerce delivery specialist focused on last-mile fulfilment for online retailers.
All three carriers will continue to operate under their established brand names while functioning as an integrated group, preserving the customer relationships and market positioning each has built independently.
Combined Capabilities
The formation of FAST Group reflects a broader trend in logistics toward cross-border consolidation. By combining an Australian domestic parcel network with two complementary US operations, the group is positioned to offer end-to-end e-commerce delivery services across the Pacific.
Key advantages of the combined entity include:
- Cross-border reach: Shippers selling into both Australian and US markets gain access to a unified logistics partner
- Shared technology and data: Opportunities to integrate platforms and route optimisation across all three networks
- Scale economics: A combined revenue base of up to $200 million strengthens carrier negotiations and infrastructure investment capacity
- Diversified risk: Geographic and customer diversification reduces reliance on any single market
The California headquarters signals an intent to pursue growth in the larger US market while maintaining Sendle’s established position in Australia.
What It Means for Australian Shippers
For Australian small businesses that have relied on Sendle, the merger introduces both opportunity and uncertainty. On the positive side, Sendle gains access to greater capital backing and a broader logistics network, which could translate into improved service reliability and expanded international shipping options.
However, integration of this scale inevitably brings questions. SMB customers will want to understand whether Sendle’s hallmark features — flat-rate pricing, carbon-neutral delivery, and no minimum volumes — will survive under the new corporate structure. The group’s US-centric headquarters may also raise concerns about the priority given to the Australian market within the larger organisation.
For 3PL operators and e-commerce businesses shipping cross-border, FAST Group could emerge as a competitive alternative for Australia-to-US parcel flows, particularly for small and mid-sized consignments where traditional freight forwarders are cost-prohibitive.
The industry will be watching closely to see how quickly FAST Group can deliver on the integration promise and whether the combined platform translates into tangible service improvements for shippers on both sides of the Pacific.
Sources: Business News Australia, FAST Group, Kroll