Study: Ports and terminals coveted takeover targets worldwide

January 24, 2024

Abstract : Ports and their handling terminals have become highly sought-after takeover targets for investors worldwide in recent years.

CAPTION: Ports and terminals coveted takeover targets worldwide. (picture alliance/dpa/Marcus Brandt)

Ports and their handling terminals have become highly sought-after takeover targets for investors worldwide in recent years. "Acquisitions and sales in the port infrastructure sector have seen a significant increase since 2015," states the auditing and consulting firm PwC in a new study on the transport and logistics sector.

"Since then, the transaction volume has totaled around 100 billion dollars." As in the sector as a whole, the value of the deals announced in 2023 fell significantly to 4.2 billion dollars, compared to 15.3 billion dollars and 11.7 billion dollars in the two previous years. "However, with a total of 16 deals, takeover activity in this area was still comparatively high."

The analysts at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) observed in the study that the target regions are shifting: "Two-thirds of the 184 deals announced in the port infrastructure sector between 2015 and 2023 were aimed at ports in Asia and Oceania," according to PwC's latest "Transport & Logistics Barometer." In the study, the consultancy firm calls ports "the hidden gems of a globalized supply chain."

"Routes and trade focal points are shifting. Asia and Africa are becoming more relevant. The route to Europe could become less important," says André Wortmann, PwC expert for the maritime industry. "This spirit of competition poses a challenge to the EU: harmony in the global maritime system can no longer be taken for granted, as some of the key players are pursuing very different interests."

According to PwC, targets in Europe also remain highly attractive, as underlined by global shipping company MSC's investment in Hamburg port operator HHLA. The world's largest container shipping company MSC and the City of Hamburg as majority shareholder will run Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) as a joint venture in future.

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