Global Mergers and Acquisitions – 2024

Globally, M&A activity is on increasing. However, growth rates differ. The activity varies also by industry and geography.

Some sectors are seeing an explosion in M&A in particular, such as the fields of energy, technology and healthcare. Other industries, such as financial services and education have seen a smaller increase.

Many companies are seeking business change and growth through strategic acquisitions. They are particularly looking for companies that offer digital solutions that help customers and run businesses, as are companies who can help them comply with environmental regulations or reduce emissions. They may also be interested in purchasing manufacturing assets, like the ones used to manufacture EV batteries.

Global M&A activity slowed in the first half of 2024 but it could increase as financial sponsors invest capital and activist investors continue to push for changes in corporate behavior. The Americas was the largest M&A market followed by Asia and Europe. As for deal values the first nine months of 2024 saw he has a good point deals worth $10 billion or more than the previous year.

M&A is accelerated due to the speed at which technology changes as companies acquire new technologies which improve their products or allow them to enter a new markets. For example, M&A is accelerating in the manufacturing industry as companies invest in AI machine learning, predictive robotics, and smart factories to boost efficiency and productivity. The rapid growth of e-commerce has resulted in M&A by logistics companies looking to acquire or establish distribution networks. Some companies have merged in order to expand or consolidate their product lines. Some combine to make savings or R&D synergies.