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Strong appetite for mergers and acquisition in UK logistics sector, data shows

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The UK logistics and supply chain management sector remains ‘lively’ for mergers and acquisitions, despite deal activity falling from record levels in 2021, according to accountancy and business advisory firm BDO.

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 £3.06bn. Following three consecutive quarters of decline, activity rose in the final quarter with 17 deals completed in Q4.

BDO’s latest report, the UK & Ireland M&A Update – Q4 2022, found in the final quarter of the year 60% of deals were cross-border – the highest number of cross border deals since 2016. It said this demonstrates that the interest from international buyers remains high, despite recent hesitancy from some regions.

Additionally, 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.

Jason Whitworth, M&A partner at BDO LLP, explained: “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.

“Whilst we continue to see strong appetite for strategic acquisitions and consolidation, the current uncertainty around the economic outlook and future financial performance is prompting more caution in the approach of buyers to value, with an increased focus on sustainability of earnings and margins. Aligning vendor and buyer expectations as to valuation remains key and higher valuations are narrowing in on the higher quality strategic assets.”

Prominent Q4 deals included DFDS’ acquisition of the Northern Ireland headquartered logistics group, McBurney Transport Group, for a consideration of £138m, 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 £16.5m; 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.

Whitworth added: “Our annual Logistics Confidence Index report, published in Q4 last year, indicated that almost half of logistics operators were likely to make an acquisition in the coming 12 months and the uptick in activity in Q4 does bear this out. We are anticipating that this strong deal flow will continue in the year ahead; however, with the uncertainties in the economy and the ever-evolving landscape, we anticipate that the mix in the nature and value of these deals will change.”

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