More firms keen on mergers and acquisitions, poll finds
Growing optimism about the global economy is likely to lead to a marked pick-up in the number of mergers and acquisitions over the coming months, a survey of executives found Monday.
In its half-yearly report into the M&A sector, consulting firm EY (formerly Ernst & Young) said it expects both the volume and size of deals to improve over the coming year, with 35 per cent of companies surveyed likely to pursue acquisitions compared with just 25 per cent a year ago.
The more favourable backdrop is attributed to growing optimism among executives.
“All of this is underpinned by growing confidence in a global economy on sounder footing – improving economic conditions in mature economies and more stabilisation in the major emerging markets,” said Pip McCrostie, the firm’s global head of M&A.
Over the past few months, the sense of caution over the global economy has abated, particularly in Europe, where many countries have emerged, or are about to emerge, from recession.
Fears of a deeper slowdown in the growth of the Chinese economy have eased, while the United States is still expected to post solid growth rates.
The survey found that 65 per cent of executives expect the global economy to improve over the coming year, up from just 22 per cent a year ago.
Having warehoused cash for a number of years and with ready access to credit, leading corporates are in a strong financial position to do deals
Companies are expected to use more debt and equity to finance deals, as opposed to relying on cash. That suggests executives are more willing to take on risk.
Since the financial crisis that started in 2008 and the ensuing recession, many companies around the world pulled back on risky investments and sought to rebuild their finances. That involved paying down debts and rebuilding their cash positions.
Potentially risky undertakings such as M&A fell out of vogue, and deal volumes and values slid sharply.
“Companies have weathered a prolonged period of uncertainty during which time they strengthened their balance sheets,” said McCrostie.
“Having warehoused cash for a number of years and with ready access to credit, leading corporates are in a strong financial position to do deals – they now have more confidence to pull the trigger.”
EY found that the top five destinations for would-be deal-makers are China, India, Brazil, the US and Canada. Sectors expected to see the highest level of deals are life sciences, oil & gas, consumer products, automotive and technology.
The survey was based on interviews with 1,600 senior executives from large companies around the world and across industry sectors.
