M&A activity has bottomed out and is on the rise again
199 mergers and acquisitions were announced in the global transport and logistics industry in 2024. Despite uncertainties, M&A activity is likely to pick up further in 2025.
Full-year 2024 issue
The low point in the cycle has been reached: M&A activities are increasing again
After M&A activity in the global transport and logistics industry fell to a ten-year low in 2023, it picked up slightly in 2024, with 199 mergers and acquisitions worth at least $50 million announced worldwide (2023: 193). The average deal value rose to $483.8 million (2023: $393.2 million), while the total value of transactions climbed to $96.3 billion from $75.9 billion in the previous year (up 27 per cent). This was largely driven by 21 mega-deals, which accounted for approximately 55% of the total transaction value.
Europe leads in deal values, with Germany involved in eight deals
Europe emerged as the region with the highest transaction value, totalling $51.8 billion (2023: $35.4 billion). German companies participated in eight deals. In contrast, North America experienced a 28% decline in the number of deals compared to 2023, while the total deal value plummeted by 43%. In Asia and Oceania, the number of announced deals increased year-on-year, with the total deal value soaring by 90%.
Chinas increased its investment in infrastructure across Southeast Asia, which is crucial for its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Meanwhile, European companies are striving to diversify their production capacities to reduce dependency on China.
Outlook: M&A deals expected to grow, uncertainties persist
PwC expert Ingo Bauer remains optimistic, predicting an increase in global M&A activity. However, he also advises caution, noting: “The numerous uncertainties – ranging from subdued economic forecasts and unresolved geopolitical conflicts to the risk of protectionist trade policies under the new U.S. administration – continue to pose challenges that are difficult to calculate.”
