Merger

Burris Logistics, a $3.5 billion revenue 3PL, and Trinity Logistics, a $550 million revenue brokerage, are tying the knot.

Danish logistics major DSV is acquiring Swiss rival Panalpina in a deal worth $4.6 billion, creating one of the world’s largest companies in logistics and freight forwarding.

PepsiCo announced today that it will take over Israel-based SodaStream known for its DIY seltzer makers, in a deal worth $3.2 billion.

The merged companies could mean the transformation of the way we consume soda, as well as the  consolidation of shipping and shelf space. The product can also bypass retail stores entirely and ship directly to consumers.

Strong rates and healthy economic fundamentals will pose opportunities and challenges for trucking mergers & acquisitions in 2018.

The merger of Knight Transportation and Swift Transportation may be the transportation highlight for the year, but there has plenty more activity revolving around mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in 2017, with no letup in sight.

Hong Kong-based logistics company GoGoVan has achieved unicorn status after agreeing to a merger with mainland China-based freight company, 58 Suyun.

According to PriceWaterhouseCooper (PwC) global transportation and logistics deals soared in the second quarter of 2017, rising 127% over the first quarter and 26% year-over-year. One of the reasons is e-commerce.

In a stock swap valued at $6 billion, truckload operators Knight Transportation and Swift Transportation have agreed to a merger. The new company, Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, will have approximately 23,000 tractors, 77,000 trailers, 28,000 employees and control approximately 5% of the nation’s truckload market.