Intersections: Transportation and logistics industry merger & acquisitions

Intersections is a quarterly analysis of global merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the transportation and logistics industry. Each edition includes a review of overall deal activity for the quarter and year-to-date and a summary of large deals.

Global transportation and logistics M&A analysis: Q4 2011

Our analysis of deals since 2000 finds that logistics and trucking merger and acquisition activity has had the highest positive correlation with global economic output of all transportation modes. Expectations for a continued global economic expansion are positive for activity in this category. Although rail was active this past quarter, shipping and infrastructure deals seem best positioned to lead the market in 2012. Both developed and emerging markets are highly supportive of future infrastructure M&A activity.

While macroeconomic risks remain, the potential for strength in shipping and infrastructure deals outweighs this concern. In addition, a stronger-than-expected recovery in the United States could also provide additional upside for M&A activity. This edition also includes a special section on divestitures and spin-offs, increasingly viewed as essential strategies for helping companies better position themselves for growth opportunities.