Intersections: Q3 2015 Transportation & Logistics Industry Mergers and Acquisitions Analysis

Despite a decline in deal volume in 3Q15 compared to the previous quarter, average deal value has continued to increase in each of the last four quarters.

Both, total deal value and average deal value for the year-to-date are up over 40% and 50% respectively, compared to the prior period.

• Average deal value has continued to increase in the T&L sector in each of the last four quarters.
• Megadeals represented close to two-thirds of the total deal value for the quarter, despite a decline in activity vs. the previous quarter.
• Cross-border activity increased, driven by strategic investors, with many of these deals intended to build a global transportation network and expand operations.
• On a segment basis, logistic companies remained a significant driver of M&A activity in the third quarter. As more companies make the decision to outsource logistics services, efficiencies in scale and geographic reach are expected to become critical drivers of inorganic growth.
• Trucking continued to be an active deal-making segment, as smaller “mom and pop” operators decide to cash out rather than invest in fleets and attempt to find the increasingly scarce driver talent.
• Regionally, Asia and Oceania continued to be the largest acquirer region with more than one-half of all deals announced in the quarter.