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A RECENT REPORT released by Plimsoll Publishing suggests that acquisition
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activity will peak as the recession kicks in, with large haulers finding bargains, and even some profitable companies looking to sell.
Plimsoll says that of the top 2,000 organisations in the road transport sector, 100 are losing money, which will make them vulnerable to rival expansion plans; but 511 are highly focused niche players, who have been making an above-average return of 4.4% collectively.
David Pattison, senior analyst at Plimsoll, thinks there are good reasons why these companies may want to sell despite being profitable, including a tightening of credit, and the difficulty of developing the business without a willing financial market. Selling would protect the companies' future and accelerate their development. It is also possible, although outside the remit of the Plimsoll report, that some road transport owners will simply decide they have had enough.
Pattison says: "It would be a pity if some of these exceptional businesses went to the wall, or do not get the maximum chance to prosper just through lack of funding."