March 2025 continued the trend of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the logistics sector, with global companies engaging in strategic deals to enhance their scale, digital capabilities, and geographic reach. The month witnessed a diverse range of acquisitions, encompassing freight forwarding, cold chain logistics, maritime infrastructure, and logistics technology—demonstrating a clear emphasis on end-to-end service integration and supply chain resilience.
North America dominated global logistics M&A activity during March, with 13 transactions, predominantly occurring in the United States. This region exhibited a strong focus on expanding freight transportation, temperature-controlled logistics, and technology-driven platforms. Europe followed with 9 acquisitions, particularly in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Denmark, where companies sought to consolidate regional networks and strengthen cross-border capabilities. Asia witnessed 6 transactions across the United Arab Emirates, India, the Philippines, Malaysia, and New Zealand, underscoring growing investment in last-mile delivery, air cargo, and customs software.
Among the most notable transactions this month was the MSC Consortium’s $22.8 billion acquisition of an 80% stake in 43 ports from Hutchison Ports. This transformative deal significantly expands MSC’s global port network and reinforces its dominance in international shipping. Similarly, DP World strengthened its inland European capabilities by acquiring full ownership of Swissterminal AG, a move that enhances multimodal connectivity between Switzerland, South Germany, and major European seaports.
Technology played a central role in this month’s activity, as several leading firms sought to future-proof their operations with logistics software and automation. WiseTech Global was particularly active, acquiring Opentecnología S.A. in Colombia and Editrade S.A. in Chile—both specialists in customs software—allowing WiseTech to expand its CargoWise platform deeper into Latin America. In North America, Descartes Systems Group bolstered its freight management capabilities with the $115 million acquisition of 3GTMS, adding powerful transportation management software and carrier integration to its portfolio.
Strategic acquisitions also reflected a broader trend towards service diversification and sector specialisation. ACERTUS expanded into luxury automotive logistics with the acquisition of Bluestar Auto Movers, offering high-touch “white glove” transport services. Meanwhile, Cobalt Wine Logistics acquired North Coast Logistics to enhance its distribution network within the wine and spirits sector, creating a unified solution for domestic and international alcohol logistics.
In temperature-controlled logistics, CubeCold acquired Belgium-based Sivafrost to strengthen its European cold chain network. This move enhances co-packaging and warehousing capabilities at a time when demand for frozen and perishable goods handling continues to rise. In a similar vein, Source Logistics acquired LaGrou Distribution’s warehousing business in Chicago, adding two million square feet of refrigerated and frozen storage space to its portfolio.
Lastly, last-mile logistics also attracted significant investment. Talabat completed its $32 million acquisition of InstaShop, reinforcing its grocery delivery presence across the MENA region, while Australia Post took a strategic stake in Shiperoo to improve returns management and e-commerce services. The acquisition leverages AI and robotics to increase operational efficiency and reduce reverse logistics costs.
Regionally focused deals highlighted ongoing consolidation efforts. In the United States, Kenan Advantage Group continued its aggressive expansion through acquisitions of Evergreen Transport and MC Tank Transport, enhancing both its dry bulk and chemical logistics capabilities. NTG Nordic Transport Group also made significant moves, acquiring Denmark’s DTK, UK-based EDS Worldwide, and Rolls Freight to bolster its European footprint and cross-border transport services.
Private equity remained a dominant force in the market, as evidenced by Pacific Equity Partners’ AU$1.02 billion acquisition of Freight Management Holdings in Australia—a transaction that underscores investor confidence in technology-enabled, integrated logistics platforms. Similarly, Investcorp’s acquisition of a majority stake in German consultancy Miebach Logistik demonstrates a growing interest in value-added supply chain advisory services.
Collectively, these acquisitions demonstrate a rapidly evolving logistics landscape characterised by digital transformation, strategic scale-ups, and a relentless focus on customer-centric, integrated solutions. As the sector navigates continued global disruptions and rising complexity, March’s logistics deal activity signifies a clear commitment to constructing smarter, more resilient, and future-proof logistics networks.
As part of its Consultancy services, Transport Intelligence has provided critical and verifiable market share data to M&A and legal clients as part of data submissions to competition authorities. This data, covering freight forwarding, contract logistics and road freight, includes revenue and market share data for a number of jurisdictions across Europe, Asia and North America.
Ti Consulting plays an important supporting role in logistics M&A through accurate market intelligence. Find out more: https://ti-insight.com/ti-consultancy-ma/
Source: Ti Insight
Author: Paul Chapman
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