UK Logistics, Freight & Industrial Transport M&A Stays Active

The UK Logistics, Freight and Industrial Transport sector has remained an active area for M&A over the past 12 months, supported by supply chain realignment, nearshoring, sustained e-commerce volumes and ongoing investment in infrastructure and decarbonisation. Sub-sectors including freight forwarding, road haulage, warehousing and distribution, ports and terminals, third-party logistics and specialist industrial transport continue to attract interest from both strategic acquirers and private equity investors.

Buyers remain active but selective, with particular appetite for businesses that can demonstrate resilient customer relationships, network density and operational efficiency. Fragmentation across freight forwarding, haulage and specialist transport continues to drive consolidation, with private equity-backed platforms pursuing buy-and-build strategies to add scale, broaden service capability and expand geographic reach.

Valuation levels reflect the breadth of the sector. Traditional freight, haulage and forwarding businesses typically achieve low to mid single-digit EBITDA multiples, while tech-enabled, data-rich and specialist industrial transport businesses can command substantially more, in some cases into double digits, particularly where there is proprietary technology, recurring revenue or exposure to structural growth.

Recent deal highlights include:

• RFS Works acquired by JST Ports & Logistics with a 5.6x EBITDA multiple
• Adams Resources & Energy acquired by Tres Energy with a 4.58x EBITDA multiple
• MB Freight Forwarding acquired by DX Group with a 3.53x EBITDA multiple

Tech-enabled and specialist logistics businesses have achieved notably higher multiples:

• Frauscher Sensor Technology acquired by Wabtec Corporation with a 12.4x EBITDA multiple
• Micromine acquired by Weir Group Plc with a 20x EBITDA multiple

Transaction activity has remained steady across both strategic acquisitions and private equity investment, with buyers targeting platform opportunities and bolt-on acquisitions alike. While fuel and cost inflation, driver availability and the capital intensity of asset-heavy operations remain key considerations, demand for well-positioned, well-run businesses has held up.

As we move through 2026, many logistics and transport business owners are reviewing their strategic options. For those considering a transaction in the next 12 to 24 months, early preparation remains critical to achieving a strong outcome. This often includes strengthening financial reporting, reviewing corporate and group structures, evidencing contracted revenues and customer retention, and demonstrating the scalability of operations for buyer due diligence.

At La Salle Corporate, we continue to engage with acquirers and investors across the UK Logistics, Freight and Industrial Transport landscape. We support owners in preparing for sale, enhancing key value drivers and navigating complex transactions to achieve successful outcomes in the lower mid-market.

We have advised on transactions in the sector, including the sales of Mark Thompson Transport Limited to Kinaxia Logistics and Neil Bomford Haulage to Howell Gordon.

We support owners in preparing for sale, refining value drivers and navigating transactions to deliver optimal outcomes in the lower mid-market.

If you would like to explore current buyer appetite, valuation benchmarks or preparation for a future transaction, we would be happy to discuss your options with you.

Reach out today to arrange an informal, confidential call.