Driving Regional Expansion Through Smart M&A in the GCC Logistics Sector
/ Case Study / Driving Regional Expansion Through Smart M&A in the GCC Logistics Sector

Driving Regional Expansion Through Smart M&A in the GCC Logistics Sector

Client

A regional logistics services provider with warehousing and transportation assets in Abu Dhabi, seeking inorganic growth to expand into neighboring GCC markets and diversify into cold chain and last-mile delivery.

Issue

The company lacked the internal bandwidth and technical know-how to identify high-value acquisition targets or assess post-merger risks. Their leadership team was facing delays in scaling into KSA and Bahrain, while missing cross-border synergies and technology leverage opportunities.

Solution

Eurogroup Consulting deployed a full-spectrum M&A advisory engagement tailored to the GCC logistics sector, designed to help the client grow through acquisition while minimizing risk and maximizing post-deal performance.

Key components of our support included:

  • Target screening and prioritization using market benchmarking and logistics sector KPIs.

  • Deal valuation and negotiation support, grounded in regional market data and asset condition modeling.

  • Multi-phase due diligence across operational, regulatory, and financial domains.

  • Post-merger integration planning, focusing on technology systems, leadership retention, and process alignment.

Approach

Our structured M&A advisory process spanned six key phases, all adapted to the regulatory and commercial nuances of the GCC logistics landscape:

  1. Strategic Fit Assessment
    Aligned M&A objectives with the client’s long-term growth plan, identifying critical capability gaps and target geographies.

  2. Target Identification & Screening
    Mapped over 30 potential acquisition targets across the GCC using a proprietary scoring system based on fleet size, warehousing footprint, cold chain readiness, customer diversity, and financial health.

  3. Valuation Modeling & Risk Analysis
    Built detailed financial models incorporating asset condition, EBITDA multiples, and synergy potential, while also evaluating cross-border legal and compliance risks.

  4. Due Diligence Execution
    Conducted end-to-end diligence (legal, operational, HR, tax) in both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, with on-site reviews and third-party audits where necessary.

  5. Negotiation & Deal Structuring
    Supported preliminary and final negotiation rounds, including earn-out mechanisms, retention packages, and integration timetables.

  6. Integration Planning & Post-Deal Support
    Created a 100-day integration plan and full playbook covering ERP consolidation, route optimization, cultural alignment, and stakeholder communications.

Recommendation

Our actionable recommendations allowed the client to make informed, high-impact investment decisions:

  • Acquire a mid-sized Bahraini firm with cold chain infrastructure, enabling immediate entry into a strategic healthcare and F&B logistics segment.

  • Acquire a Riyadh-based last-mile delivery company to capitalize on e-commerce growth and expand urban delivery capabilities.

  • Unify operational systems under a centralized ERP platform to standardize asset tracking, route planning, and inventory control.

  • Implement executive retention incentives to preserve key talent in both acquired firms and accelerate cultural integration.

Engagement ROI

The engagement resulted in tangible performance improvements across strategic, operational, and financial dimensions:

  • Successfully closed two acquisitions valued at a combined AED 210 million.

  • Tripled regional market reach, expanding operations to five new cities across KSA and Bahrain.

  • Warehouse capacity grew by 42%, supporting new contract wins and faster inventory turnover.

  • Improved operational efficiency by 28%, driven by route optimization and systems integration.

  • Revenue increased 36% in the first full year post-deal, with net margins rising by six points due to overhead synergies and scale leverage.

Highlighting our ability to guide Abu Dhabi-based firms through complex, cross-border M&A transactions, from early-stage strategy to full post-deal realization, Eurogroup Consulting ensure that every deal is:

  • Strategically aligned and market-informed,

  • Diligently executed to global standards, and

  • Operationally integrated to deliver long-term value.

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