In the past month, the global logistics sector has continued to consolidate across a number of subsegments, with over 25 deals spanning freight, warehousing, cold chain, and logistics software. Central themes have centred around market consolidation, regional growth, and digital enhancements. A significant shift towards temperature-controlled logistics and emissions transparency signals the industry’s response to demands for a resilient supply chain and sustainability goals.
Emergent Cold LatAm has been particularly active, announcing two cold chain acquisitions in South America. Their purchase of Comfrio in Brazil represented a major step, adding 420,000 pallet spaces across 24 sites, establishing a strong presence in twelve Brazilian states, and enhancing domestic distribution. Later, they acquired Frialsa Peru, further expanding their footprint across Lima. These acquisitions underscore the company’s expansive strategy in Latin America, cementing its status as a regional leader in TCL.
Meanwhile, in Australia, Lindsay Australia acquired SRT Logistics for AUD $108.2 million, creating the country’s largest refrigerated transport provider. Their move enhances operational expertise. Concurrently, Lineage expanded into Norway by acquiring Permanor AS, thus boosting sustainable infrastructure and capacity in the Nordics. These deals highlight the cold chain as a critical area for investment, driven by rising demand for reliable, compliant, and environmentally friendly food logistics.
On the tech front, Blue Yonder’s acquisition of Pledge, a UK carbon tracking platform, integrates emissions reporting into its logistics platform. WiseTech Global made a significant $2.1 billion investment in E2open to broaden its SaaS offerings and customer reach, aiming to establish a global supply chain operating system. DAT Freight & Analytics is improving small carrier cash flow tools through the acquisition of fintech firm Outgo, while Peak Technologies has enhanced its robotics capabilities by acquiring Automation Intelligence, facilitating advanced automation in warehousing and manufacturing.
In North America, consolidation continues apace. PRISM Logistics has absorbed San Jose Distribution Services following its owners’ exit, ensuring continuity and bolstering assets in Northern California’s food and CPG sector. Radiant Logistics has formalised its long-standing partnership with Universal Logistics, aligning with a trend of internal network consolidation for improved efficiency and control.
In the realm of last-mile and fulfilment, DHL Supply Chain has acquired IDS Fulfillment to enhance service for small to mid-sized US businesses, adding over 1.3 million square feet of space. Stord has strengthened its US distribution footprint by acquiring Ware2Go from UPS, solidifying its position in SMB enablement.
Cross-border capabilities and nearshoring are driving deal activity as well. PSA BDP’s acquisition of ED Forwarding in Mexico aims to strengthen cross-border services amid increasing US-Mexico trade. Nippon Express’s investment in Cold Chain Bangladesh Limited taps into South Asia’s burgeoning domestic distribution market. Meanwhile, MSC’s Medlog unit has taken stakes in Ukrainian rail terminals, making strategic moves in Eastern Europe’s intermodal logistics despite geopolitical risks.
Private equity continues to play a significant role, with Everest Transportation, backed by Cambridge Capital, acquiring Simple Logistics to scale truckload brokerage. Alba has entered the perishable logistics market with the acquisition of The Perishable Specialist, enhancing operations in Miami, supported by Southfield Capital. Meanwhile, Providence Equity Partners has acquired a controlling stake in GCL, highlighting investor interest in niche, high-value logistics sectors.
Europe has witnessed several significant moves, too. Kuehne+Nagel has acquired Spanish groupage operator TDN, expanding its reach across the Iberian Peninsula. McCulla in Ireland has been acquired by One Frio Ni Limited, backed by a €1bn fund, securing capital for expansion and carbon-neutral ambitions. Additionally, Evri’s acquisition of Coll-8 aims to enhance parcel transit times and improve EU cross-border ecommerce services.
In marine container leasing, Textainer’s $1.75 billion acquisition of Seaco marks a major consolidation event, significantly expanding Textainer’s inventory and global presence, even as container markets experience volatility.
Logistics M&A strategies are diverging, with large-scale consolidation in the cold chain and transportation sectors and targeted technology and cross-border acquisitions. Geopolitical factors, regional challenges, and sustainability imperatives are shaping strategic decisions, as deal-making shows no signs of slowing down. Buyers are honing in on network density, technological advancements, and sustainable growth, setting the stage for the second half of 2025.
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Source: Ti Insight
Author: Paul Chapman
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GLOBAL LOGISTICS M&A RECAP REPORT
Monthly newsletter written by Logisyn Advisors and Ti Insight’s industry researchers, analysts and associates.