University of Minnesota - UMN Executive Leadership Insights
As Global M&A Slows, Investor Activism Is on the Move
Report

As Global M&A Slows, Investor Activism Is on the Move

Jens Kengelbach, Dominik Degen, Georg Keienburg and Timo Schmid
Boston Consulting Group, 2019
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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Analytical
  • Overview
  • For Experts

Recommendation

On the back of a steady 2018 M&A market, activity continues at a more measured pace in 2019. However, industry leaders view tariffs, trade wars, currency risks and geopolitical tensions as potentially tapping the brakes on deal volume and transaction value. Executives also need to handle the increasing presence of activist investors. Boston Consulting Group professionals provide a comprehensive analysis of the current global M&A environment and forecast the future trajectory of activity. Corporate leaders will find powerful insights in this authoritative report.

Summary

Global M&A continues in 2019, but corporate executives are encountering headwinds.

Mergers and acquisitions started strong in 2018 but faded in the back half of the year. Companies worldwide agreed to more than 35,000 deals for a total of $3.026 trillion in value. These figures represent a 6% year-over-year increase in valuations but a 4% decrease in transaction flows.

In 2019, the environment appears more murky. Tariffs, trade skirmishes, Brexit and slowing global economic growth discourage dealmaking, which explain the slowdown in first quarter activity. However, the market for M&A remains highly liquid, ...

About the Authors

Jens Kengelbach et al. are professionals with the Boston Consulting Group.

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