In the 12 months ended Nov. 2022 (LTM Nov22), both deal value ($195 billion) and deal volume (264) in transportation and logistics (T&L) declined when compared to full year 2021 (FY21) by 16% (value) and 24% (volume), respectively.
An acceleration in e-commerce and pressure on global supply chains had driven up demand for T&L services and freight prices during the pandemic years, and M&A followed.
Sellers were lured by growing valuation multiples, and buyers were attracted to the sector because of the significant changes occurring, the magnitude of which could reinvent the sector.
However, in the latter half of 2022, the easing of freight prices, the stabilization of supply chains, increased capital costs and economic uncertainty have cooled the red-hot deal activity of the past 24 months.
