Mergers & acquisitions in the Transportation & Logistics industry

The Transport and Logistics (T&L) sector is characterised by a significant level of privatisation, finance-raising and merger and acquisition activity (M&A) . Transactions are often complex and impacted by the regulatory environment, competition issues, or need for contracted subsidies to support operations.

We have witnessed many privatisations of bus companies, ports and airports which have created successful private sector groups that have continued to grow via further acquisitions. In other segments there is ongoing global consolidation within and between operators from the courier, parcel, freight forwarding and contract logistics arenas. Postal organisations and railway companies that have historically been more nationally oriented, are now seeking opportunities to expand into cross-border markets driven by a more commercial focus and liberal regulatory regime.

How PwC can help you

PricewaterhouseCoopers is one of the leading M&A advisers on mid-market transactions in the US$50-500m range. In addition to advising corporations, financial institutions and public sector organisations, we have specialist expertise in helping management teams take listed companies private with venture capital backing. We are also market leading providers of associated transaction services such as financial due diligence, tax and legal services.
In recognition of the fact that some acquisitions fail to deliver their planned results, we also offer experience in post-deal integration support.

Some of our recent transactions have included:

  • €2.7 billion corporatisation of and capital injection to Swedish rail
  • RBS £240m acquisition of Condor Ferries, operator of passenger and freight services between the UK, Channel Islands and France
  • £89m sale of Nightfreight, UK market leader in freight logistics
  • Patrick Corp/Toll Holdings US$667m acquisition of National Rail Corp and Freight Corp in New South Wales
  • £100m refinancing of Freightliner, major UK rail-freight service provider, led by 3i and Electra