Buyouts looking ‘lively’ in logistics

Transaction volumes in 2022 were marginally below those seen in the previous year, with 62 deals completed (66 in 2021) at a total disclosed deal value of £3.06 billion. Following three consecutive quarters of decline, activity rose in the final quarter with 17 deals completed in Q4.

According to the UK & Ireland M&A Update – Q4 2022 report, in the final quarter of the year, 60% of deals were cross-border – the highest number of cross border deals since 2016 – demonstrating that the interest from international buyers remains high, despite recent hesitancy from some regions. 

In addition, a quarter of transactions in the year involved direct investment from private equity, with acquisitions by PE backed businesses leading to further consolidation in the market.

BDO M&A partner Jason Whitworth, explains: “Considering 2021 was bolstered by pent-up deal demand following Brexit, deal volumes last year reaffirm that the sector remains a lively one for M&A. Total disclosed transaction value fell in Q4, reflecting a shift to smaller deals. However, the annual deal value remained high, incorporating a number of high value transactions and reflecting the continued appetite for large scale consolidation.”

Prominent Q4 deals included DFDS’ acquisition of the Northern Ireland headquartered logistics group, McBurney Transport Group, for a consideration of £138 million, subject to earn outs; the sale of Dorset-based company Astral Couriers, to CitySprint which has expanded its fleet in the south west of England; HSH Coldstores’ acquisition of competitor, ASC&T for £16.5 million; and the acquisition of Savage Haulage, based in East Anglia, by The Ice Co, a provider of temperature controlled storage and distribution services. The latter two deals, out of three in the quarter, highlight cold storage back on the deal radar, reflecting the recognised value in the critical nature of the country’s food supply chain infrastructure.