At Thomas Scott & Co, we engage with a diverse range of industries, yet we specialise particularly in mergers and acquisitions within the transport and logistics sector. This focus stems from the resilience of the industry, which consistently sparks interest in M&A activities. Whether you’re planning retirement or aiming to explore new ventures, selling your business can be a strong move to secure a substantial capital gain while ensuring the continuation of your business’s legacy. We collaborate with business owners to plan and execute their exit strategies, targeting both institutional and strategic buyers, tailored to meet both short-term and long-term objectives.
To learn more about how we can assist in selling your transport and logistics businesses—request a business valuation or contact Thomas Scott & Co today.
Our service is delivered to precisely match the unique needs of our clients, whether they are navigating the complexities of selling a business or planning for a long term exit. We are dedicated to delivering superior outcomes for our clients, ensuring their satisfaction and success every step of the way.
We pride ourselves on offering a quality service, tailored to exceed expectations. We believe in building relationships that stand the test of time. With each interaction, we strive not only to meet but to surpass our clients’ needs and aspirations, ensuring their journey with us is one characterised by excellence and lasting satisfaction.
We specialise in guiding clients through M&A landscape with clarity. Our team of advisors leverage their understanding of M&A to support at every stage of the process, from initial strategy development to due diligence and seamless execution, we offer tailored solutions that allow our clients to make informed decisions.
The UK M&A market for transport and logistics has been highly dynamic over the past few years, shaped by the twin challenges of post-pandemic recovery and Brexit-induced regulatory changes. Despite these hurdles, the sector has shown remarkable resilience, with both strategic and institutional acquirers seeking to leverage efficiencies and drive consolidation. In 2023, the transport and logistics sector contributed over £25 billion to the UK’s M&A activity, underscoring its strategic importance. However, the market has experienced fluctuating deal volumes, with a notable spike during the pandemic driven by the critical need for supply chain reliability, followed by a slowdown as the immediate effects of the pandemic waned.
Key statistics highlight the sector’s current state and future potential. For example, while deal activity saw a downturn in 2023 due to tightening capital access and diverging market outlooks between buyers and sellers, substantial investment funds, estimated at over £10 billion, have been earmarked for deployment in 2024. This anticipated capital influx is expected to stabilise the market and reignite M&A activity, particularly as companies focus on acquiring businesses that offer expanded services, technological capabilities, and sustainability initiatives.
The transport and logistics sector is increasingly prioritising acquisitions that enhance digital transformation and sustainability. Investments in cleaner fuels, electric vehicles, and circular economy practices are on the rise, aligning with both governmental regulations and consumer expectations. This shift is reflected in the sector’s projected growth rate, with analysts forecasting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% over the next five years, driven by the integration of new technologies and the pursuit of greener supply chains.
The sector also faces significant operational challenges, such as high turnover rates among truck drivers, which impact service quality and operational costs. In response, companies are targeting acquisitions that enable them to manage more complex, faster, and more cost-efficient supply chains. The emphasis on making supply chains greener and more resilient is not just a strategic priority but a competitive necessity in a market that is becoming increasingly complex and competitive.
Foreign investment has been another critical factor, with international buyers contributing to nearly 30% of deal value in 2023. This influx of capital has supported the sector’s ongoing transformation, particularly in areas such as logistics automation and cross-border trade facilitation.
Looking ahead, the transport and logistics M&A market is expected to see a resurgence in 2024, with deal volume projected to increase by 15%. This growth will be driven by strategic consolidations, the need for debt refinancing, and the pursuit of private equity returns. Companies are advised to prepare for this wave of activity by setting clear investment goals, developing detailed value-creation plans, and ensuring they have the robust capabilities needed for deal execution and integration.
We are an independent Sell-Side M&A advisors who are driven to deliver outstanding results for their clients regardless of the size of business or scope of work. As we are sector agnostic we can leverage our buyer base and knowledge to a larger range of clientele on an international scale. As of 2024 we now have operations across 3 countries with global servicing capabilities meaning that we can draw in more acquirers and investor when supporting clients on M&A projects.
