Q4 2024 – Market Summary & Outlook
- In 2024, U.S. Transportation and Logistics (“T&L”) M&A activity was relatively flat compared to 2023, compressing 2.9% representing 165 closed transactions in 2024. Strategic buyers leveraged M&A to expand service portfolios and strengthen customer partnerships, creating value despite depressed spot rates.(1)
- Globally, T&L M&A transaction volume fell 5.0% from the 538 deals closed in 2023 to 511 deals in 2024. North America and Europe together represented over 80% of transactions closed in 2024.
- Europe led T&L M&A activity in 2024, accounting for 44.0% of transaction volume, closely followed by North America at 36.2%. Among these transactions, the third-party logistics (3PL) sector led, representing 33.3% of U.S. T&L M&A activity closely followed by asset heavy trucking, accounting for 27.9% of U.S. activity. Transaction growth in these industries relates to an increased focus on diversifying providers at each level of the supply chain. This focus is driven by the dynamic, rapidly evolving global supply chain market, which gave 3PL providers a competitive edge in Q4.(1)
Sources:
(1) McKinsey
Read Transportation & Logistics M&A Pulse Q4 2024 Full Report
