The logistics industry unveiled an interesting start to 2025, with a strong focus on software and technology-driven acquisitions. North America led the charge in terms of deal activity, followed by Europe, with software and transportation emerging as the most sought-after target services.
The standout trend in the first month of the year was the prominence of software-driven transactions. Software and technology related deals accounted for 28% of all acquisitions, reflecting the increasing digitalization of logistics operations. This trend aligns with the industry’s growing reliance on automation, AI, and data-driven decision-making to enhance efficiency and manage complex global supply chains.
Several key deals illustrate this shift. For example, SPS Commerce’s $210 million acquisition of Carbon6 expands its revenue recovery capabilities, particularly for Amazon sellers. This deal demonstrates the value of software platforms that optimize e-commerce supply chains and revenue management. Similarly, Aptean’s acquisition of Logility strengthens its AI-first supply chain solutions, emphasizing the trend of leveraging artificial intelligence for enhanced forecasting, demand planning, and operational optimization.
Another significant acquisition was Symbotic’s $200 million purchase of Walmart’s robotics business. This deal enhances Symbotic’s automation capabilities, particularly in warehouse and last-mile logistics, a crucial aspect of modern supply chains. The acquisition reflects a broader trend of integrating robotics to streamline operations and improve efficiencies in large-scale distribution networks.
Beyond software, AI and automation are playing an increasingly central role in logistics acquisitions. Companies are investing in AI-powered solutions to optimize supply chains, improve forecasting, and enhance decision-making. The acquisition of Verteego by Bamboo Rose exemplifies this trend, as it expands AI-driven decision intelligence for retail management. Similarly, Eyelit Technologies’ acquisition of Adexa strengthens its smart factory and AI-driven supply chain management capabilities.
These deals highlight the logistics industry’s shift from traditional, labour-intensive models to tech-driven, automated solutions. AI is not only enhancing operational efficiency but also reshaping how logistics companies manage inventory, route optimization, and overall supply chain resilience.
Another key trend in the M&A landscape is the strategic expansion of logistics capabilities through targeted acquisitions. Companies are not only acquiring technology firms but also expanding their geographic reach and service portfolios. For instance, DHL Supply Chain’s acquisition of Inmar Supply Chain Solutions enhances its position as the largest provider of reverse logistics in North America. This acquisition reflects the growing importance of efficient returns management, especially in e-commerce, where handling product returns is a crucial customer touchpoint.
Similarly, AIT Worldwide Logistics’ acquisition of Krupp Trucking strengthens its footprint in high-value technology logistics, while PITT OHIO’s purchase of Sutton Transport expands its presence in the Midwest United States, increasing shipment density and service reliability. These moves indicate that logistics companies are strategically acquiring firms that enhance their core operations and enable them to offer more comprehensive solutions to their customers.
Logistics M&A, in the start to 2025, reveal a clear focus on technology, software, AI, and automation. The industry’s digital transformation is driving acquisitions, as companies seek to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer experiences, and strengthen supply chain resilience.
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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