In our first article, we established the compelling case for why now is the right time for European enterprises to pursue acquisitions in the U.S. This favorable climate is driven by a confluence of economic resilience, attractive valuations, and a welcoming policy environment. For many European companies, this is best realized by acquiring strategic assets in core industrial sectors.
This article delves into the specific operational and technological advantages awaiting European acquirers in U.S. manufacturing, distribution, and logistics. Acquiring existing U.S. assets in these sectors provides a potent pathway to not only immediate market entry but also the creation of a more resilient, efficient, and technologically advanced global enterprise.
Immediate Market Access and Scalability
A U.S. acquisition provides European firms with far more than just a new address; it offers direct and rapid access to the world’s largest and most dynamic consumer market. For companies in manufacturing, distribution, and logistics, this means inheriting established production facilities and warehouse networks, a mature supply base, and a ready-made customer roster.
Rather than the long, costly process of greenfield site development, an acquisition allows you to bypass a significant time lag and immediately start serving customers from a U.S. base. For instance, a European manufacturer of industrial equipment could acquire a U.S.-based competitor with regional production facilities. This move immediately diversifies their manufacturing base and allows them to fulfill orders from domestic customers without the delays or costs of transatlantic shipping. This direct entry is a powerful engine for rapid expansion and scalability.
Another benefit of having a U.S. presence is potential access to free-trade agreements with Canada and Mexico in addition to further expansion to Latin America. According to the U.S. Census[1], the U.S. exported approximately $124.4 billion to South and Central America between January and June 2025, on track to surpass the total exports of $205.6 billion during 2024.
Building Resilient Supply Chains and Localized Production
Recent global events have highlighted the fragility of long, intricate supply chains. For European companies, a U.S. acquisition is a strategic solution for nearshoring production and distribution, reducing reliance on distant hubs and mitigating geopolitical risks. This localization effort is not merely a defensive play; it’s a proactive strategy for operational excellence.
By localizing production and distribution, European acquirers can:
- Reduce Lead Times and Transportation Costs: Shorter distances between production facilities and end customers drastically cut down on delivery times and international shipping expenses, a critical advantage in today’s fast-paced market.
- Optimize Inventory Management: A U.S. presence enables more flexible inventory strategies, balancing just-in-time principles with safety stock, to meet regional demand more accurately.
- Enhance Resilience: A diversified supplier base within North America helps mitigate the impact of international trade disputes, tariffs, and shipping disruptions.
Embracing Advanced Technology and Automation
The U.S. industrial landscape is a leader in adopting advanced technologies, and an M&A transaction provides European firms with a fast track to integrate these innovations. The opportunity is to acquire not just physical assets but also the underlying technological platforms that drive efficiency and insight.
Key technologies to look for in target companies include:
- Automation and Robotics: The logistics automation market is growing, and acquiring a company that has already invested in robotic process automation, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), or smart picking systems can immediately enhance operational efficiency.
- Data and Analytics: Many U.S. firms leverage data analytics, IoT, and AI to optimize supply chain functions. This includes predictive maintenance in manufacturing, demand forecasting, and predictive route optimization in logistics.
- Digital Platforms: The integration of robust Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Transportation Management Systems (TMS) is essential. An acquisition can provide access to these platforms, allowing European firms to enhance real-time visibility, track assets, and improve inventory control.
Driving Operational Synergies and Efficiency
Operational synergies are a primary driver of M&A value, and in the manufacturing, distribution, and logistics sectors, the opportunities for a European acquirer are substantial. A well-executed integration plan can unlock significant efficiencies by combining operations, technology, and procurement.
Potential synergies include:
- Streamlining Processes: Standardizing operational best practices (e.g., Lean or Six Sigma principles) across both the European and U.S. entities can eliminate redundancies and improve efficiency.
- Leveraging Combined Procurement Power: Merging purchasing functions allows the combined entity to leverage greater scale, securing better terms and pricing from suppliers.
- Cost Rationalization: Combining distribution networks, consolidating freight, and optimizing warehousing can lead to significant cost savings and improved service levels. These improvements directly impact EBITDA and working capital, demonstrating tangible value creation.
Conclusion: Solidifying Your Global Industrial Edge
For European companies seeking to expand their global footprint, strategic M&A in the U.S. manufacturing, distribution, and logistics sectors provides a compelling and timely opportunity. These acquisitions offer a direct pathway to market entry, the creation of more resilient and efficient supply chains, and a leap forward in technological adoption. A successful transaction in these core industrial sectors is not just about growth; it’s about solidifying a global edge and building an operationally robust, future-proof enterprise.
Our next article, “Capturing Consumers and Clients: M&A Opportunities in U.S. Business Services and Retail,” will explore the unique advantages and strategies for acquiring targets in the service economy.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Nico Pronk is Managing Partner, CEO, and Head of Investment Banking at Noble Capital Markets. Nico has over 35 years of experience working with IPOs, Secondary Offerings, Private Placements and Mergers and Acquisitions including complex cross-border transactions. During his career he has served as Director or Advisor to numerous privately held and publicly traded companies.
Bruce C. Rosetto is a Senior Partner and Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig LLP and represents private and public companies, private equity funds, hedge funds, investment banks, and entrepreneurial clients in a wide variety of industries. He has broad experience in domestic and international mergers and acquisitions, raising capital, securities work, private placement financings, corporate governance, alternate assets, and projects qualifying for investment under the EB-5 Entrepreneur Investment Visa Program. He also forms private equity funds and family offices and represents affiliated portfolio companies.
Fred Campos is a Managing Director at CBIZ with more than 20 years of experience in accounting and finance and more than 300 executed buy-side and sell-side M&A engagements. Prior to joining CBIZ, Fred founded and led a boutique advisory services firm focused on mergers and acquisitions and exit readiness. Earlier in his career, he was part of the cross-border practice at Ernst & Young (EY) where he assisted EY’s global clients on cross-border deals. Fred also established and led the regional transaction advisory services practice for a global top tier public accounting firm.
Mark Chaves, Managing Director with CBIZ, assists companies with domestic and international tax planning and structuring, mergers and acquisitions, and business reorganizations. Mark has focused his career on working with multinational corporations to manage cross-border direct and indirect tax issues, foreign tax credit and repatriation planning, reorganization of expatriate and inpatriate tax matters, and ASC 740 reporting. Additionally, Mark assists individuals with international estate planning, inbound tax structuring of investments in U.S. real property, and pre-immigration planning as well as with cross-border tax issues and filings for FINCEN compliance.
Matthew (Matt) Podowitz is the founder and Principal Consultant of Pathfinder Advisors LLC, bringing experience on 400+ global M&A engagements to his clients. Matt specializes in the critical operational and technology aspects of M&A transactions, providing due diligence, carve-out, integration, and value creation services. Leveraging his perspective as a dual US/EU citizen, he provides seamless support for cross-border M&A transactions through every step of the transaction lifecycle in both markets. His background includes leadership roles at firms like Ernst & Young, Grant Thornton, and CFGI.