M&A

Takeovers & Buyouts: Mega M&A Deals in 2019 Highest in Four Years

Takeovers and Buyouts / By

Key trends in global M&A during 2019 included a sharp rise in large M&A transactions accompanied by a slowdown in cross-border deals. Deal-makers were defensive given geopolitical tensions such as trade disputes. As a result, they focused more on deals in their home turf.
Aggregate transactions worldwide totaled $3.9 trillion in 2019, the fourth strongest year for M&A deal-making, according to data from Refinitiv as reported by Reuters. It was also the sixth year on the trot that transactions totaled more than $3 trillion.

Alexion Pharmaceuticals Rejects Elliott Demand for “Proactive Sale”

Activist Updates, Hedge Funds, Investments, Latest News, News / By

Alexion Pharmaceuticals will not obey Elliott Management’s demand for a “proactive sale.” The company says that the process of seeking a buyer doesn’t suit shareholder interest. The biotech firm has worked to maintain control of its market share for drugs treating rare blood disorders. Following news that it would not engage in a sales process, the firm’s stock popped on Friday.

PwC Report Tackles Third-Quarter Deal Flow

News, Takeovers and Buyouts / By

A new PwC report is out with a look at third quarter 2019 deal flow. Technology deal volume fell by 46% when compared to the second quarter. Because the first half of the year was exceptionally strong total volume of technology M&A is still up 37% year over year. The gain has been driven primarily by mega deals. In 2019, we saw nine deals for $138 billion compared to 2018  when we had just seven deals totaling $63 billion.

EY Report Talks Dealmaking in the Year Ahead

Alternative Investments, News, Takeovers and Buyouts / By

The latest EY report on M&A activity for the year ahead reveals interesting technology trends. EY is a leader in assurance, tax, transaction, and advisory services. The company finds that business leaders have altered their portfolios due to a challenging geopolitical environment. However, the firm notes that 52% of global corporate leaders plan to pursue acquisitions in the next year.