Q1 2025 deal volumes remained similar to that of Q4 2024, with 18 deals vs 19 completed in the previous quarter. Despite the more challenging economic environment and outlook that followed on from the autumn statement there remained an appetite for deals, although there was an increased influence of more stressed back consolidation.
Luxembourg headquartered InPost S.A acquired the remaining 70% stake in Menzies UK logistics business Menzies Distribution Group limited for £60.4m. InPost Group are one of Europe’s leading eCommerce logistics businesses.
This acquisition enables InPost to fully control its UK logistics process and to compete more effectively in the UK market by scaling at speed and expanding into the B2C market.
Aptean Inc continued their aggressive acquisition strategy in Q4 by acquiring Indigo Software Ltd, a leading global warehousing and logistics solutions software provider. This marked the US companies 5th deal of 2024 as they continue to go grow in the customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) sectors.
Aptean are backed by Clearlake Capital Group and acquired Indigo Software through an LBO in November for an undisclosed amount.
Deutsche Post AG, the German-based provider of postal services and logistics, has acquired through its UK based subsidiary DHL Supply Chain Ltd, a controlling stake in Brandpath Group Ltd for an undisclosed amount. Brandpath provides eCommerce businesses with software to enable global fulfilment capabilities. The acquisition gives Brandpath customers the benefit of DHL Supply Chain’s global scale and infrastructure across 220 countries, as well as deep supply chain expertise and capabilities.
Private equity house August Equity LLP has invested in Fargo Systems, a leading Transport Management System (TMS) software business specialising in containerised cargo. Fargo Systems is headquartered in Ipswich and provides mission-critical cloud software that allows customers to optimise the efficient movement of goods. This investment will enable Fargo Systems to pursue it’s organic growth strategy with targeted M&A into varying service lines and locations.