PE-backer freezes fund amid financial red flags

In the fast-paced world of e-commerce logistics, mergers are often hailed as game-changers, promising synergies, expanded networks, and economies of scale. But for FAST Group—the entity born from the August 2025 merger of Australian parcel delivery firm Sendle, U.S.-based FirstMile, and ACI Logistix—the honeymoon was short-lived. Just months after the deal closed, Sydney-based Federation Asset Management (Federation AM), a key investor in the venture, froze redemptions in its $100 million Federation Alternatives Investment Fund II, citing a crisis at FAST Group that has exposed due diligence lapses, financial discrepancies, and the specter of bankruptcy.

The fallout underscores broader risks in the freight and logistics sector, where rapid consolidation driven by e-commerce demand can mask underlying operational and financial vulnerabilities. As freight volumes fluctuate amid economic uncertainty and supply chain disruptions, this case serves as a cautionary tale for investors and operators alike.

The Merger: A Bold Bet on E-Commerce Shipping

FAST Group was formed on August 7, 2025, through the strategic combination of three logistics players, each bringing complementary strengths to the table. Headquartered in California, the new holding company aimed to create a “dynamic ecosystem” for e-commerce shipping, serving everything from small businesses to enterprise clients across the U.S., Australia, Canada, India, and the Philippines. The company was a leader in last mile delivery services and partnered with companies like DoorDash to complete delivery.

• Sendle: Founded in Australia, Sendle specialized in affordable, carbon-neutral parcel delivery for small e-commerce sellers. Backed by investors including Federation AM, Touch Ventures, Rampersand, and King River Capital, it had raised over $100 million in funding rounds since 2019, with estimated annual revenues around $32.5 million pre-merger.

• FirstMile: A Salt Lake City-based firm focused on mid-market shipping optimization, with national parcel pickup infrastructure and revenues pegged at about $75 million.

• ACI Logistix: The Long Beach, California veteran with over 60 years in national parcel logistics, automation, and direct-to-consumer delivery, reporting revenues between $23.6 million and $100 million, depending on sources.

The merger was positioned as a win-win: Sendle’s tech platform and international reach would integrate with FirstMile’s pickup networks and ACI’s sortation facilities, offering customers expanded services without disrupting existing brands. Keith Somers, former CEO of ACI Logistix, took the helm as FAST Group’s CEO, with a board drawing from all three entities. Federation AM, which had been a major stakeholder in Sendle, rolled its investment into a minority position in the new group and provided backing for the venture.

Combined, FAST Group boasted an estimated 300-900 employees and $130-200 million in annual revenues, positioning it as a mid-tier player in a market dominated by giants like UPS, FedEx, and Amazon Logistics. But beneath the optimism, cracks were already forming.

The Crisis Unfolds: Due Diligence Gaps and Financial Deficiencies

The trouble surfaced publicly on December 12, 2025, when Federation AM notified investors via email that it was suspending redemptions from its Fund II—a vehicle targeting 20% annualized returns over five years. The fund, which held about 64% of its capital in FAST Group, cited “significant deficiencies” in ACI Logistix’s financial statements discovered post-merger. Questions arose about the accuracy of information disclosed during due diligence, prompting Federation’s deal team to scrutinize the acquisition process.

In the weeks following the merger, Federation injected $12 million in emergency operating capital into FAST Group to stabilize operations. This was followed by swift leadership changes: the CFO was replaced, and a chief restructuring officer was appointed to oversee turnaround efforts. Despite these moves, the company has been scrambling to secure up to $60 million in debt financing from hedge funds and distressed debt specialists. Sources indicate that potential lenders are eyeing acquisitions of existing debt at steep discounts—around 50 cents on the dollar—highlighting the perceived risk. Adding to the financial pressures, sources have told FreightWaves that FAST owes DoorDash $20 million dollars, potentially related to unpaid obligations from last-mile delivery partnerships.

The fund’s exposure was amplified by its mandate, which lacked limits on investment size in individual targets, allowing such heavy concentration in FAST Group. Zenith Investment Partners, which had given the fund a “recommended” rating, placed it under review amid the turmoil.

As of January 10, 2026, no resolution has been announced. FAST Group faces the real possibility of filing for U.S. bankruptcy protection if financing falls through, which could trigger legal battles over asset recovery. For Federation AM, managing $23 billion in assets overall, this represents a reputational hit but not an existential threat. However, it raises eyebrows about the firm’s risk management in private equity-style investments in logistics tech.

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