As freight rates stabilize, geopolitical changes influence trade and economic conditions drive consolidation, mergers and acquisitions are positioned to reshape the global shipping industry.
Freight forwarder Forto could be the next company in line.
The Berlin-based company is working with investment bank Moelis & Co. for a merger or sale, according to reports in The Information. A person involved in the discussions said the freight forwarder has reached out to a number of competitors to discuss potential deals, although those talks have been early stage discussions and might not come to fruition. Forto has raised over $600 million since its founding in 2016.
Michael Wax, Forto’s co-founder who stepped down last week as CEO, told The Information that there was “no process ongoing right now.”
Whether Forto secures a deal or not, macroeconomic factors indicate that 2025 could be a pivotal year for transportation and logistics M&A. With freight rates stabilizing after years of volatility, improved economic factors could make acquisitions more appealing. Additionally, a new administration’s stance on tariffs and supply chain localization could drive strategic investments in FreightTech and warehousing.
Check out recent M&A action below:
- Tenstreet acquires driver communications provider TextLocate
- Canada’s Purolator buys Livingston to boost cross-border trade capacity
- United Airlines leverages small freighter for Puerto Rico pharma exports
- Trimac acquires flatbed carrier Watt & Stewart
HDVI secures $40M for data-driven trucking insurance
Upwell secures $6.5M to automate logistics billing practices
Freight Hero exits stealth mode with backing from Dynamo and AI Fund
