Road Freight, Logistics and Post

Q1 2023 saw a total of 35 deals in the Road, Freight and Logistics sector - a decline of 47% on the number of deals recorded in the final quarter of 2022 (66). 

Notable deals executed during Q1 2023 include the sale of Mobile Mini UK to Modulaire Group for £355m and the acquisition of McBurney Transport Group by DFDS for £135m.

Typically, deals activity across this sector is influenced by:

• ESG – companies are seeking operating efficiencies to enable their businesses to meet their sustainability targets; and
• Labour shortages and supply chain issues – availability of non-UK workers (particularly drivers) has reversed in recent years. Attracting domestic labour to the industry has increased the need to invest in improved facilities and working conditions.

Restructuring activity in this sector remains high. Despite prevailing macro-economic headwinds and high interest rates, many companies in the sector have been able to successfully pass on cost uplifts to the customer. The ability of operators to continue this strategy is unclear and may signal an uptick in restructuring activity across weaker operators.