Valuing a Logistics & Transport business
Logistics and transport have appreciated with the rise of eCommerce, but they remain a tight-margin sector where operational efficiency and stable contracts mark the difference between an average valuation and an excellent one.
Logistics & Transport sector EBITDA multiples
| Low | Typical | High | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EBITDA multiple | 3,5x | 5,0x | 7,0x |
Source: Dealsuite Southern European M&A Monitor H1-2025 · Period: H1 2025
Worked example
A business in this sector with EBITDA of €900,000 would have an indicative valuation between €3,150,000 and €6,300,000, applying the sector multiple range.
Example EBITDA
€900,000
Indicative valuation
€3,150,000 – €6,300,000
Illustrative calculation based on sector multiples. The real valuation depends on many other factors specific to your company.
What drives the value of a Logistics & Transport business
In logistics, the buyer values the stability of contracts and the efficiency of the operation. A company with recurring service agreements, a well-sized fleet or infrastructure and optimised routes sits at the top of the range. The factors that drag the multiple down are concentration in a few clients, exposure to fuel prices with no way to pass them on, an ageing fleet that will require renewal and dependence on subcontractors. The ability to pass costs (fuel, tolls) on to clients and the technological integration of the operation are differentiating factors that are increasingly valued.
What raises and lowers the multiple
Raise the valuation
- Recurring, stable service contracts
- A well-sized, modern fleet and infrastructure
- Optimised routes and technological integration of the operation
- The ability to pass costs (fuel, tolls) on to the client
Lower the valuation
- Turnover concentrated in a few clients
- Exposure to fuel prices with no way to pass them on
- An ageing fleet that requires immediate renewal
- Dependence on subcontractors or very tight margins
Frequently asked questions
- Why has the logistics sector appreciated?
- Because of the growth of eCommerce and last-mile delivery, which have driven up demand for logistics services. That has improved the sector's outlook, although it remains a tight-margin business where operational efficiency is decisive.
- How does the fleet affect the valuation?
- A modern, well-maintained fleet supports the value; an ageing one subtracts from it, because the buyer anticipates the cost of renewal. The key is the balance between the value of the assets and the recurring profitability of the operation.
- How important are contracts in logistics?
- Very. Recurring service agreements give revenue visibility and reduce the risk for the buyer. Concentration in a few clients, by contrast, is one of the factors that most penalises the sector multiple.
How much is your company worth?
Get a free indicative valuation in under 2 minutes. No commitment, fully confidential.
Value my company for free