Deal volume and deal value in the transportation and logistics (T&L) sector are on an upward trajectory, compared to the first half of the year, according to a new PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP report, Intersections: Third-quarter 2009 global transportation and logistics industry mergers and acquisitions analysis. Twenty deals with a total value of $6.2bn were announced during the third quarter in the T&L sector, compared with 31 deals announced with a value of $5.4bn in the first half of 2009. The improvement in the pace of deal announcements can be attributed to passenger air deals, several of which involved entities in the Asia & Oceania region, as well as smaller deals involving U.S. entities.

"We're cautiously optimistic that the third quarter represents a turning point for the transportation and logistics sector," says Kenneth Evans, U.S. transportation and logistics leader for PricewaterhouseCoopers. "However, we realize that there are a number of factors that need to be considered before a full recovery can be claimed - including the fact that many of the larger deals are distressed deals."

The report also addresses the impact prospective energy and climate change legislation may have on business transactions, how the deal market is responding, company brand and reputation considerations, and the interests of the growing number of environmentally aware stakeholders.

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