Logistics merger and acquisition update: North America leads in acquisitions

In the latest report on Global Logistics M&A activity by Ti & Logisyn Advisors, the acquisition landscape in January 2026 shows North America leading with a significant 56.5% of all acquisitions. Europe followed with 26.1%, recording 6 acquisitions, while the United States stood out as the most active individual country with 13 acquisitions. Transportation emerged as the primary target service, representing 34.8% of acquisitions, followed by logistics at 17.4%.

A notable acquisition for January 2026 was Stord’s acquisition of Shipwire from CEVA Logistics. This acquisition aligns with Stord’s strategic vision of developing a global, technology-driven fulfillment platform rather than a purely domestic 3PL. By acquiring Shipwire, Stord expands its fulfillment network across the US, Europe, and the UK, enhancing delivery speed, and enabling more robust cross-border and omnichannel services for its customers. The deal also grants Stord access to CEVA Logistics’ global infrastructure, facilitating international expansion without substantial capital investment. Additionally, Shipwire brings a sophisticated, deeply integrated fulfillment platform that seamlessly integrates with numerous e-commerce and ERP systems, hastening Stord’s software and automation advancements. This move strategically positions Stord to attract direct-to-consumer and mid-market brands seeking a unified platform for inventory visibility, order management, and fulfillment execution across diverse regions.

Another notable acquisition in January was Echo Global Logistics’ acquisition of ITS Logistics and Werner Enterprises’ acquisition of FirstFleet, highlighting the continued activity and interest in the logistics M&A landscape.

Looking ahead to 2026, Peter Reed, Managing Director: Europe at Logisyn Advisors, anticipates a significant role for infrastructure investors in shaping the market. These investors are expanding the buyer pool and contributing to the valuation stability of established, asset-backed logistics platforms. Reed foresees 2026 favoring strategic, high-quality deal-making over broad consolidation efforts.

The importance of accurate market intelligence in logistics M&A transactions is evident in the services offered by Transport Intelligence through its Consultancy division. This consultancy arm provides essential and verifiable market share data to M&A and legal clients, aiding in data submissions to competition authorities. The data encompassing freight forwarding, contract logistics, and road freight includes revenue and market share insights across multiple jurisdictions in Europe, Asia, and North America. Through its reliable market intelligence, Ti Consulting plays a crucial role in supporting logistics M&A activities.

In conclusion, the dynamics of the logistics M&A landscape in January 2026 showcase North America’s dominance in acquisition activity, with transportation emerging as a prime target service. Strategic acquisitions, such as Stord’s acquisition of Shipwire, underscore the industry’s focus on technology-enabled global fulfillment platforms and highlight the significance of accurate market intelligence in facilitating successful M&A transactions. Looking forward, the market is poised for disciplined, quality-driven deal-making, underpinned by the increasing involvement of infrastructure investors in shaping the logistics M&A landscape.