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Selling a logistics and transport business

Access strategic insight across the Australian market

The Australian logistics and transport sector continues to grow as supply chain networks expand and infrastructure investment increases. Nash Advisory helps business owners prepare for sale, position their companies for buyers and run structured sale processes.

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Transport and logistics industry insights

The Australian transport and logistics industry is a critical part of the national economy, generating more than $120 billion in annual revenue and employing over 550,000 people. Freight volumes are forecast to grow steadily over the coming decades, supported by infrastructure investment and eCommerce demand.

These fundamentals support long-term demand and investor confidence. For acquirers, the sector offers scale, consolidation and operational improvement opportunities across freight, warehousing and transportation services.

  • The sector spans road, rail, air and sea freight alongside warehousing, distribution and supply chain management, with road freight accounting for more than 80% of the domestic freight task.
  • Consolidation continues across freight and logistics, with 45 transactions totalling $2.2 billion recorded in recent years.
  • Median listed trading multiples are approximately 0.8x revenue, 5.1x EBITDA and 12.7x EBIT, providing useful valuation benchmarks.
  • Strategic and private equity buyers remain active, targeting scale, recurring contracts and operational improvement opportunities.

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"This is a sector where competition is fierce and valuations track net tangible asset value. There are large opportunities for the nimble high-quality operator.”
Tom Butler
Tom Butler
Managing Director

MID-MARKET TRANSPORT SECTOR EXPERTISE

Maximising value in logistics and transport business sales

We advise logistics and transport businesses across Australia on company sales. With deep sector insight and access to domestic and international buyers, Nash Advisory helps owners navigate complex sale processes and position their companies to achieve premium outcomes.

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total enterprise value transacted
$
1.9
bn+
Total enterprise value transacted
Enterprise value in FY22
$
400
m+
Enterprise value in FY25
successful deals completed
63
Successful deals completed
Private equity bolt-on deals
25
Private equity bolt-on deals
Valued team members
22
Team members
Completed transactions per year
15
+
Completed transactions per year

Current insights shaping transport business decisions

The transport and logistics industry continues to experience steady demand, supported by infrastructure investment and freight growth. However, rising fuel costs, labour shortages, compliance obligations and competition are placing pressure on margins.

Buyers assess earnings quality, contract security, safety standards and insurance coverage. Sellers should ensure financial reporting is clear, permits are current, and management systems are robust. Businesses that demonstrate scalable operations, trained people and disciplined cost control are more likely to achieve stronger valuation outcomes.

Key factors affecting valuation

  • Fleet quality and utilisation: Well-maintained fleets and strong utilisation rates support earnings performance and buyer confidence. Ageing assets or deferred maintenance can reduce valuation.
  • Workforce stability: Experienced drivers and ongoing safety training reduce operational risk and strengthen buyer confidence.
  • Customer diversification and contract terms: Long-term agreements with diversified customers improve revenue visibility and reduce reliance on single clients.
  • Compliance and governance: Strong safety compliance, documented processes and regulatory adherence support higher valuation multiples.

Recent case studies

Our transport and logistics experience includes commercial advisory for NSW Ports and structured sale processes for businesses with fleet, vehicle and transport operations.

What our clients say

Working with Nash was an absolute pleasure. They were at all times completely responsible and accountable to everything that we needed. Their strong financial acumen was incredibly important throughout the whole process. It was really important that they were able to truly articulate the value of the business in its current state and also look and really delve into the potential future alternate uses for the business…We were really happy with the interest that Nash generated. So we had multiple seriously interested parties, which created that competitive tension that you really need in a deal and was able to achieve the outcome that we wanted and that we expected.

Fiona Selby
Managing Director of Boneo Park
Map of global buyers

Global Capabilities

Unlock a world of possibilities with Nash Advisory's global capabilities. Through our partnership with REACH, we provide unparalleled access to industry experts and local market connoisseurs across 30 countries.

Whether you're selling your business, merging, or seeking investment, our team of seasoned professionals crafts bespoke strategies tailored to your unique needs. Trust us to navigate the complexities of the global market, ensuring you achieve exceptional outcomes that reflect the true value of your hard work and dedication.

Global capabilities

The Nash Advisory advantage

Work with our directors

As one of our clients, you will have direct access to the knowledge and experience of our directors. We will work through the whole process with you, from start to finish.

Real business experience

We know what makes a business appealing to buyers, because we've owned and run businesses ourselves. Our own experience informs every step of our process.

Network of buyers

Maximising the sale price of your business requires finding the right buyer. We have a broad network of contacts which includes Australian and international businesses.

Outcomes focused

We only succeed if you do. We focus all our efforts on getting you the best result. That's why most of our fees are on the back end.

Work with our directors

As one of our clients, you will have direct access to the knowledge and experience of our directors. We will work through the whole process with you, from start to finish.

Real business experience

We know what makes a business appealing to buyers, because we've owned and run businesses ourselves. Our own experience informs every step of our process.

Network of buyers

Maximising the sale price of your business requires finding the right buyer. We have a broad network of contacts which includes Australian and international businesses.

Outcomes focused

We only succeed if you do. We focus all our efforts on getting you the best result. That's why most of our fees are on the back end.

Explore our advisory services

View all services

Our services are structured to maximise value and reduce risk. We combine strategic thinking with disciplined execution to deliver measurable outcomes for mid-market clients.

Selling a business

We provide expert guidance to help you prepare, market, and negotiate the best outcome for your business sale.

See how we do it

Business valuations

Our team delivers accurate, data-driven valuations to help you understand and enhance your business’s worth.

See how we do it

Business mergers & acquisitions

Our proprietary approach to business sales ensure you get the highest possible sale multiple for your business.

See how we do it
Sample toolkit

Access our blueprint for success

Gain insight into the end-to-end process and how we maximise outcomes. Download our transaction document pack to see the documents used throughout a sale, from information memorandum to completion.

Download now

Completed transactions in the transport and logistics industry

Our services are structured to maximise value and reduce risk. We combine strategic thinking with disciplined execution to deliver measurable outcomes for mid-market clients

Logo of NSW Ports
Completed deal:

NSW Ports

Date:
April 1, 2018
Transaction type:
Business advisory
Sub sector:
Infrastructure, ports and logistics, oil and gas

Nash Advisory assisted in the commercial and financial analysis for the development of a new bulk liquid berth terminal for NSW Ports. The engagement covered a mixture of commercial analysis, financial modelling of pricing and volume over a long timeframe, and an understanding of capital requirements.

Led by Tom Butler, the Nash team developed a comprehensive study in partnership with NSW Ports and presented this to the board and management team. NSW Ports have now implemented many of the recommendations made in the commercial study.

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Logo of Travellers Autobarn
Completed deal:

Travellers Autobarn

Date:
October 1, 2018
Sub sector:
Budget travel, youth travel

Travellers Autobarn, an Australian campervan and car rental business servicing primarily the budget youth backpacker market (BYBM) received an investment from the Swiss-based Diethelm Keller Group following a global search undertaken by our team, led by Lucas Couper and Sean O’Neill.

Given the specific characteristics of the business, it was important to find the right strategic growth partner to assist with the local and US expansion plans. Diethelm Keller is a privately held, diversified group with operations spanning household brands, real estate, and tourism and travel, including as the owner of STA Travel.

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Looking to sell your logistics business?

If you are considering selling a logistics or transport business, speak with our directors for strategic advice. We provide guidance and practical next steps tailored to your objectives.

Meet our senior advisory team

Our specialists combine experience with disciplined transaction execution. You will work directly with professionals who understand valuation drivers and the operational realities of the industry.

Advising logistics and transport businesses across Australia

We work with logistics, freight and transport business owners nationwide, providing director-led advice on strategic business sales and connecting companies with qualified buyers in Australia and internationally.

Our advisors travel across Australia to work with business owners on-site and manage transactions on the ground. We connect vendors with qualified domestic and international buyers, wherever they operate.

Latest insights and industry reports 

Stay informed with practical insights on market trends, valuation benchmarks and transaction activity. Our updates help business owners and investors make informed, strategic decisions.

Follow us on LinkedIn 

Stay up to date with transaction activity, valuation benchmarks and strategic insights. Follow Nash Advisory for practical updates designed to help business owners and investors make informed decisions.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to sell a transport or logistics business?

A structured sale process typically takes nine to twelve months from preparation to completion. Timelines depend on fleet complexity, contract transfer requirements and buyer due diligence. Early preparation of financial records, asset registers and compliance documentation can reduce delays.

How profitable is the transportation business?

Profitability varies by service mix, scale and asset quality. Well-managed operators with strong contract terms, disciplined cost control and efficient fleet utilisation can achieve solid EBITDA margins. Buyers assess earnings sustainability, capital expenditure requirements and risk exposure when determining valuation.

How big is the logistics industry?

The Australian logistics industry generates more than $120 billion in annual revenue and employs over 550,000 people. Freight volumes are forecast to grow steadily over the coming decades, supported by infrastructure investment and eCommerce demand. This scale makes the sector attractive to strategic buyers and private equity investors seeking consolidation opportunities.

Are transport and logistics businesses attractive to private equity?

Yes. Private equity investors actively target transport and logistics businesses with recurring contracts, scalable operations and strong fleet utilisation. Freight, warehousing and last-mile delivery businesses are particularly attractive. Trade buyers also acquire to consolidate routes, expand geographic coverage or add service capability.

What factors affect the valuation of a logistics and transport business?

Key drivers include earnings quality, fleet condition, customer concentration and contract security. Buyers also assess capital expenditure needs, compliance history, insurance coverage and workforce stability. Businesses with scalable systems and experienced management teams typically attract stronger competition and higher multiples.

Is now a good time to sell a logistics and transport business?

Timing depends on earnings performance, fleet condition and market positioning. Periods of strong freight demand, infrastructure investment and active buyer appetite generally produce stronger valuation outcomes. A professional valuation and sale readiness assessment can help determine whether current conditions support your objectives.

What documents are required to sell a transport business?

A structured sale process typically includes financial statements, forecasts, an information memorandum, asset registers, contract summaries and compliance documentation. Clear reporting and organised records reduce due diligence risk and build buyer confidence throughout the transaction.

How can Nash Advisory help with a transport business sale?

Nash Advisory provides end-to-end support, from valuation and preparation to buyer engagement and negotiation. You work directly with experienced directors who understand the logistics industry and its value drivers. Our disciplined process is designed to maximise value while maintaining confidentiality and control.

Speak with us about selling your business

If you are considering selling or valuing a transport business, start the conversation with our directors. We provide strategic advice tailored to your objectives.

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