M&A is Reshaping the Future of European Transport & Logistics
The European Transport & Logistics sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by structural forces such as decarbonization, regulatory pressure, persistent capacity constraints, and rising customer expectations for faster, transparent, end to end logistics solutions. These dynamics are accelerating investment in fleet renewal, automation, digital platforms, and value added services, while rewarding operators with stronger network density and operational excellence.
European Transport & Logistics is at a tipping point.
M&A continues to play a critical role in enabling companies to adapt at pace. Consolidation remains a strategic lever to expand geographic coverage, strengthen capabilities across the logistics value chain, and enhance resilience. Well structured transactions allow companies to broaden their service offering, improve efficiency and transparency, and secure the technological and ESG related investments increasingly required to stay competitive.
Deal activity in Europe has remained robust throughout 2023–2025. Completed transaction volumes increased from $ 479 B in 2023 to $ 515 B in 2024 before stabilizing at $ 508 B in 2025, still well above pre pandemic levels. Cross border deals consistently represent around 45–48% of total activity, highlighting the sector’s international nature and the importance of scaling beyond domestic markets.
The report explores valuation trends and recent transactions across key subsectors like road transport (including cold chain), marine freight & barging, warehousing logistics, freight forwarding, and last mile delivery. While valuation multiples have normalized from their peak, high quality and specialized assets continue to command premiums, especially those aligned with technology adoption, sustainability, and integrated service models
Looking ahead, the Transport & Logistics team of IMAP expects M&A to remain active and strategically relevant. Regulatory pressure around decarbonization, ongoing driver shortages, infrastructure bottlenecks, and the need for digital, integrated and door to door service models will continue to shape the competitive landscape. These forces will favor companies with scale, robust networks, and differentiated capabilities, factors that are likely to fuel further consolidation and selective multiple resilience across the sector.
Exceptional local knowledge, expertise and contacts, backed up by the full strength of our global (sector) team.
IMAP’s dedicated global Transport & Logistics team remains strongly positioned to support clients navigating this dynamic environment, with a track record of more than 100 transactions in the sector since 2017 and presence across 60+ offices worldwide.
Inside the report, you will find detailed analysis of market dynamics, valuation trends, completed transactions, and growth projections across: Road Transport (incl. Cold Chain), Marine Freight & Barging, Warehousing Logistics, Freight Forwarding and Last Mile Delivery together with deal summary & case studies with analysis of European M&A activity: transaction volumes, valuation trends, cross border vs domestic activity, and strategic rationales behind key deals. Includes detailed case studies across Europe, illustrating recent seller and buyer motivations.
Explore the full report and discover the opportunities behind the numbers. Download the full report below.
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