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
Brokerage Compliance Symposium
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
F3 Awards Dinner
The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
F3: Future of Freight Festival
Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowThe night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowIndustry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now