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Sep 23

M&A - Transportation and Logistics

Donald Grava September 23, 2016

Transportation and Logistics

High Growth Sector for M&A

The transportation and logistics (“T&L”) sector is experiencing substantial growth in global M&A activity.  This sector had a strong Q1 2016, and activity increased in Q2.  By volume, the number of deals in Q2 was 6% greater than Q1.  The average deal value was also high during Q2 at almost US$670 million, and compared to Q1, was 20% higher.  Over the past few years, deal value for this sector has been steadily increasing. The average deal value in 2016 is 25% higher than the average for the past three years.

A major factor in the consistent increase in T&L activity is the current high level of M&A activity in Asia, in general, an in China, in particular.  Asia has been a leader in this sector for deals over the past few years.  As seen in the charts below, for the first half of 2016, Asia maintained a strong lead over other regions, in both deal value and volume, accounting for more than 50% of both measures.  Additionally, in terms of both volume and value, financial buyers lag far behind strategic buyers in completing T&L mergers and acquisitions.  Many of the companies within the T&L sector are looking to diversify across sub-sectors, which has also caused an increase in M&A demand from industry buyers.

 

Versailles Group Mergers & Acquisitions

TL_Volume.jpg

 

During the first half of 2016, there were five mega deals completed in transportation and logistics, which totaled US$26.7 billion.  The largest deal within the T&L sector was in the trucking sub-sector.  Deal value in trucking increased 69% in Q2 2016, as compared to the same quarter in the previous year.  In Q2 2016, Logistics was the second largest sub-sector, followed by shipping, with deal values of US$5.8 billion and US$923 million, respectively.  Overall, the largest transaction during the first half of 2016 was Maanshan Dingtai Rare Earth & New Materials Co.’s acquisition of SF Holding Co. for US$16.8 billion.

Worldwide, mergers and acquisitions in the transportation and logistics sector is expected to continue growing.  Corporations are currently seeking to outsource logistics that are heavily based in advanced technology.  The expansion of world trade and e-commerce will continue to drive this demand.  All in all, global M&A activity in the transportation and logistics sector should remain strong for at least the next five years and many are confident the activity will continue to grow across all sub-sectors.  T&L merger and acquisitions activity in the US is also expected to increase.

Versailles Group is a 30-year-old Boston-based investment bank that specializes in international mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.  Versailles Group’s skill, flexibility, and experience have enabled it to successfully close M&A transactions for companies with revenues between US$2 million and US$250 million.  Versailles Group has closed transactions in all economic environments, literally around the world.

Versailles Group provides clients with both buy-side and sell-side M&A services, and has been completing cross-border transactions since its founding in 1987.  

More information on Versailles Group, Ltd. can be found at www.versaillesgroup.com.

For additional information, please contact

Donald Grava

Founder and President

+617-449-3325

September 23, 2016

 
Sep 19

M&A - China becomes the largest investor in Brazil

Donald Grava September 19, 2016

China becomes the largest investor in Brazil

As one of the BRIC countries, Brazil was projected to continue to be one of the fastest growing economies in the world.  However, the 2015 recession in Brazil resulted in a negative growth rate of 3.8%.  As a result, Brazil slid from seventh to ninth place in the world economies ranking. 

Year-to-date, Chinese companies have already purchased US$4 billion of assets in Brazil, the highest level since 2010.   According to Bloomberg, the top five countries investing in Brazil are China - 1st, US – 2nd, Norway – 3rd, Mexico 4th, UK – 5th.

 

Versailles Group - China M&A - Brazil M&A

 

The Brazilian currency, the Real, has depreciated more than 50%, which has enhanced Chinese and US purchasing power in terms of investment.  It’s also important to note that as compared to the US, China has experienced less political resistance when acquiring Brazilian assets.

Some notable transactions where Chinese companies made acquisitions in Brazil: 

China Investment Corp., which has a US$814 billion sovereign fund, is leading a Chinese investor group that is in talks to complete a multibillion-dollar iron-ore streaming deal with Brazil’s Vale SA.  The consortium is negotiating the potential purchase of a portion of Vale’s future iron-ore output for as long as 30 years.  Vale could fetch about US$9 billion upfront from the sale.

State Grid Corp of China, the world’s largest electricity provider by revenue, is wooing shareholders of Brazil’s CPFL Energia SA and a listed subsidiary.  It expects to secure stakes from large shareholders before making an offer for the entire company.

The Fosun Group, a major China-based investment group, with operations in several countries, signed an agreement to acquire Rio Bravo Investimentos.

Shanghai Pengxin Group Co. purchased control of Brazilian grains trader Fiagril.  People familiar with the deal said the value of the deal could be around 1 billion Reais (US$290 million).  Shanghai Pengzin, like most foreign buyers would keep current management in place. 

Versailles Group is a 30-year-old Boston-based investment bank that specializes in international mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.  Versailles Group’s skill, flexibility, and experience have enabled it to successfully close M&A transactions for companies with revenues between US$2 million and US$250 million.  Versailles Group has closed transactions in all economic environments, literally around the world.

Versailles Group provides clients with both buy-side and sell-side M&A services, and has been completing cross-border transactions since its founding in 1987.  

More information on Versailles Group, Ltd. can be found at www.versaillesgroup.com.

For additional information, please contact

Donald Grava

Founder and President

+617-449-3325

September 19, 2016

Sep 15

Western Europe - M&A Activity

Donald Grava September 15, 2016

M&A Activity in Western Europe

First Half of 2016

While the US and China receive the most media attention for M&A activity, Western Europe should not be overlooked.  The charts below reflect the deal volume and value breakdowns for the Western European countries.

In terms of the number of deals completed in Western Europe, the two countries that have seen the highest activity are the United Kingdom and Germany.  On a global level, these countries also rank well, and are usually within the top five countries for highest deal volume.  The UK significantly outpaced German deals in the first half of 2016, closing almost 50% more transactions.  It should be noted that Germany is completing significantly more deals in 2016 than they did in 2015.  The chart below reflects the top five Western European countries with the greatest deal volume.

Versailles Group - Western Europe M&A Activity 

By deal value, the UK is still the leader in Western Europe for the first half of 2016 with their transactions totaling US$119,342MM.  Surprisingly, despite its high volume of deals, Germany does not hold second place for deal value, but rather drops down to fourth.  Switzerland has more than doubled its deal value as compared to the same time period in 2015, and holds second place in Western Europe.  For the first half of 2016 Switzerland completed US$66,276MM in deals, as compared to the same period in 2015 when they had completed US$31,663MM.  Shown in the chart below are the leading Western European countries with the highest deal value.

Versailles Group - Western Europe M&A Activity

 

Post Brexit many have their eye on Western European M&A deals.  It is expected that as the British Pound fluctuates against other currencies, so will the number of transactions between countries.  While Brexit may help firms in the United States expand abroad at a reasonable price, overall deal activity within the UK is uncertain for the second half of 2016.  Many believe the deal volume will fall, however some economists are optimistic about deal flow and predict it to pick up during the remainder of the year.

 

Versailles Group is a 30-year-old Boston-based investment bank that specializes in international mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.  Versailles Group’s skill, flexibility, and experience have enabled it to successfully close M&A transactions for companies with revenues between US$2 million and US$250 million.  Versailles Group has closed transactions in all economic environments, literally around the world.

Versailles Group provides clients with both buy-side and sell-side M&A services, and has been completing cross-border transactions since its founding in 1987.  

More information on Versailles Group, Ltd. can be found at www.versaillesgroup.com.

For additional information, please contact

Donald Grava

Founder and President

+617-449-3325

September 15, 2016

Sep 02

China - M&A Lending

Donald Grava September 2, 2016

 

Chinese M&A - Versailles Group

China - M&A Lending

China recently made changes to its government policies, encouraging Chinese companies to expand abroad.  Domestic banks are adapting to the policy changes by prioritizing M&A lending.  As a result, companies are able to easily obtain loans for acquisitions.  For example, China CITIC Bank International made a US$12.7 billion loan in June allowing China National Chemical Corp. to purchase Syngenta AG.  Many similar deals have recently been completed thanks to readily available financing. 

Previously, only top tier Chinese banks would engage in cross-border M&A; however, second tier banks are now aggressively lending.  As banks work hard to increase deal volume, Chinese banks are expected to improve their ranking for financing M&A transactions.  Bank of China is currently ranked 20th in global M&A lending.  In order to facilitate M&A transactions, Chinese banks are starting to establish overseas branches which will make the M&A process more convenient for its clients.  These banks are more capable than ever to move quickly in cross boarder deals and Chinese companies that are backed by state lenders have been extremely active in closing cross boarder deals.

While policy changes have made a positive impact, they are not the only factor driving Chinese cross-border M&A.  Investment opportunities in China are becoming harder to find.  The country’s economic expansion is slowing and domestic companies are looking abroad to diversify and meet growth objectives.  Large companies in particular have found limited opportunities for acquisitions within China.  Additionally, by making foreign acquisitions, companies have been able to expand trade and move into new markets.  Most companies in the market for acquisitions are searching for well-known brands and advanced technology.

Versailles Group is a 30-year-old Boston-based investment bank that specializes in international mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.  Versailles Group’s skill, flexibility, and experience have enabled it to successfully close M&A transactions for companies with revenues between US$2 million and US$250 million.  Versailles Group has closed transactions in all economic environments, literally around the world.

Versailles Group provides clients with both buy-side and sell-side M&A services, and has been completing cross-border transactions since its founding in 1987.  

More information on Versailles Group, Ltd. can be found at www.versaillesgroup.com.

For additional information, please contact

Donald Grava

Founder and President

+617-449-3325

September 2, 2016

Aug 09

Global M&A: Mexico

Donald Grava August 9, 2016

 

Global M&A: Mexico

Versailles Group - Global M&A

Regarding Global M&A, Latin America has moved into the spot light for investors.  Both private equity firms and strategic buyers are realizing the potential this location holds, and as of late, Mexico has been of great interest.  Over the past few years the Mexican government has made a big push to increase investment in its country.  Mexico has specifically targeted foreign investors by working hard to address corruption, labor, and tax issues.  Additionally, laws have changed to allow Mexico’s pension funds to invest up to ten percent of their assets in private equity, which will promote economic growth.

Despite new investment, as a whole, Latin America is still struggling.  Brazil is currently in a recession, and Columbia’s GDP growth rates are low.  While these economic problems are of great concern to locals, it allows foreign investors to capitalize on both the exchange rates and discounted assets and companies.  These investors see an opportunity to buy low and sell high.  The World Bank recently announced that by 2030, fifty percent of the population in Latin America will be middle class.  This fact alone has provided investors with confidence that the economies will continue to grow and bounce back in the coming years.

Mexico is popular due to its strategic location.  Not only do the time zones correspond with the United States, but its location is unbeatable.  For firms that are looking to expand supply chains abroad, Mexico is a perfect fit.  As compared to China, producing in Mexico greatly shortens the supply chain, and is generally less expensive.  Coincidentally, China is currently experiencing an overall decline in local manufacturing.  Businesses selling to consumers in the United States are looking to keep supply chains as short as possible, and Mexico is becoming the cheapest and easiest way to do it.

Strategic buyers are not the only group interested in Mexico; private equity firms are moving in too.  The volatility in the region is attractive, especially for investors who have a longer time horizon.  Experienced investors are making purchases not bothering to worry about short term problems, but rather focusing on the long term gain.  Mexico has now surpassed Brazil as the most popular destination for private equity investment in Latin America.

All in all, over the last 10 years the focus of M&A in Latin America has changed significantly.  Argentina was previously a hot spot for deals; however, Brazil then started to gain popularity and most of the investment activity.  Brazil is still very exciting for foreign investors as they are able to buy companies at deep discounts, but now investors are also exploring Mexico.  Another country that currently presents unique investment opportunities is Chile, which may provide more stability than other Latin American countries.

Versailles Group is a 29-year-old Boston-based investment bank that specializes in international mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.  Versailles Group’s skill, flexibility, and experience have enabled it to successfully close M&A transactions for companies with revenues between US$2 million and US$250 million.  Versailles Group has closed transactions in all economic environments, literally around the world.

Versailles Group provides clients with both buy-side and sell-side M&A services, and has been completing cross-border transactions since its founding in 1987.  

More information on Versailles Group, Ltd. can be found at www.versaillesgroup.com.

For additional information, please contact

Donald Grava

Founder and President

+617-449-3325

August 9, 2016

 
Aug 04

M&A - Top Five Countries - First Half 2016

Donald Grava August 4, 2016

M&A Activity - First Half 2016

Top Five Countries

With regard to M&A in the global arena, it’s fascinating to observe which countries attract the most activity and how that evolves over time.  The charts below reflect the top five countries with the highest deal value and volume for the first six months of 2016.

The United States and China have been able to maintain their M&A leadership in the first half of 2016.  In terms of deal volume—the number of transactions completed worldwide—the US accounted for 23% of the deals completed while China captured 10% of the deals worldwide.

The chart below represents the number of M&A transactions completed by country in the first six months of 2016.  The US and China dominate this category, with 10,151 and 4,519 deals completed respectively.  When compared to the first quarter, the breakdown by volume for these five countries has remained remarkably similar.  Each country has been able to continue closing deals at roughly the same pace. 

Versailles Group - M&A activity

Represented in the chart below is the value of M&A transactions completed by country, for the top five countries, in the first six months of 2016.  The US and China are again leaders in this category.  Collective deal value in the United States reached US$633,441MM, and China’s total transactions were valued at US$390,570MM.  Switzerland remains in the top five countries for deal value, which is uncommon; however, during Q1 Syngenta was acquired by ChemChina, and this one large deal is in part responsible for Switzerland’s high rank.  

Versailles Group - M&A

 

Two countries to keep an eye on for the remainder of the year are Australia and France.  Lately, Australia has been receiving media attention for potential growth in M&A deals.  For the first half of 2016, Australia came in only 282 deals behind Germany.  It will be interesting to see if Australia is able to push up into the top five countries for volume next quarter.  Likewise, France is trailing Canada in the rankings for deal value so far in 2016.  As M&A activity is likely to experience shifts throughout Europe after the Brexit vote, M&A activity by county may look slightly different next quarter.

Versailles Group is a 29-year-old Boston-based investment bank that specializes in international mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.  Versailles Group’s skill, flexibility, and experience have enabled it to successfully close M&A transactions for companies with revenues between US$2 million and US$250 million.  Versailles Group has closed transactions in all economic environments, literally around the world.

Versailles Group provides clients with both buy-side and sell-side M&A services, and has been completing cross-border transactions since its founding in 1987.  

More information on Versailles Group, Ltd. can be found at www.versaillesgroup.com.

For additional information, please contact

Donald Grava

Founder and President

+617-449-3325

August 4, 2016

 
Jul 20

M&A - Brazilian Bargain Hunt

Donald Grava July 20, 2016

 

M&A in Brazil - Bargain Hunt

M&A in Brazil Versailles Group

At this point in time, Brazil is providing M&A buyers with incredible opportunities for a number of reasons.  Despite a history of healthy economic growth, Brazil’s economy has recently lost momentum.  The country has officially been in a recession since the end of 2014, with no immediate recovery in sight.  Inflation is now over 10%, and unemployment reached 9% in 2015.  Additionally, the Brazilian stock market has plummeted along with its currency.  The chart below depicts the decrease in the value of the Brazilian real in comparison to the US dollar.

Brazil M&A - Versailles Group

Compounding the economic problems, Brazil is experiencing temporary political unrest due to a large corruption scandal.  There isn’t much hope for economic improvement in 2016; however, once the political turmoil settles, economists are optimistic about what 2017 will bring for the Brazilian economy.  Brazil boasts a large domestic market, with a variety of innovative industries and an abundance of natural resources.  The previous decade’s economic growth averaged around 4 to 5 percent per annum.  It is likely that the economy will start to grow at the tail end of this crisis, as the Brazilian government has plans to address the economic problems in the form of cutting public spending and implementing policies through the Central Bank.

What does this mean for foreign investors?  Brazilian companies are the cheapest they have been in years, and with a vast array of investment options.  In short, Brazil presents a unique opportunity.  This is echoed by the fact that foreign investors are flocking to the region, and are beginning to outpace local investors.  The chart below compares foreign investors to Brazilian investors.

M&A in Brazil - Versailles Group

M&A buyers that can look beyond two or three years will be able to achieve excellent returns.  The Brazilian economy has the capability for strong and consistent growth.  Over the years, the middle class in Brazil has grown, literacy rates have increased, and Brazil is the 8th or 9th largest economy in the world.

In conclusion, an M&A buyer can capitalize on the current domestic situation, which has resulted in slashed valuations and many opportunities where sellers have to sell.  Furthermore, foreign investors will also be able to capitalize on the strong US dollar as compared to the Brazilian Real, which make Brazilian acquisitions incredibly affordable and will enable investors or acquirers to earn a healthy return on their investment in the future.

Versailles Group is a 29-year-old Boston-based investment bank that specializes in international mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.  Versailles Group’s skill, flexibility, and experience have enabled it to successfully close M&A transactions for companies with revenues between US$2 million and US$250 million.  Versailles Group has closed transactions in all economic environments, literally around the world.

Versailles Group provides clients with both buy-side and sell-side M&A services, and has been completing cross-border transactions since its founding in 1987.  

More information on Versailles Group, Ltd. can be found at www.versaillesgroup.com.

For additional information, please contact

Donald Grava

Founder and President

+617-449-3325

July 20, 2016

 
Jul 12

M&A Activity in Asia Grows, Led by China

Donald Grava July 12, 2016

M&A Activity in Asia Grows, Led by China

Versailles Group - China update

 

While global M&A activity in Q1 2016 was lower than the record-breaking deal volume witnessed in Q1 2015, one bright spot has emerged amid volatile markets and political uncertainty: China.  In Q1 2016, China claimed its largest quarterly share of global mergers and acquisitions on record.  According to Thomson Reuters, roughly US$110 billion in M&A deals, or 15 percent of global deal value, involved Chinese buyers. 

The chart below depicts deal value in China across the past five years, 2012 - 2016. The value of outbound Chinese deals in Q1 2016 ($110 billion) surpassed China’s previous annual record of $109 billion over the whole of 2015.

Versailles Group - China M&A Update

Overall, M&A activity in Q1 2016 throughout Asia increased by 9 percent compared to Q1 2015.  Last year, the region reached a deal value of US$275 billion, accounting for almost 40% of global deal value (US$699 billion).  When analyzing the activity by country, China played a significant role in M&A activity across the continent.  Mega deal activity, characterized by deals which have a value greater than $5 billion, contributed to China’s M&A prowess, as the top ten deals in Asia all had either a Chinese company as an acquirer or a seller.  The largest deal in Q1 2016 was China National Chemical Corp’s acquisition of the Swiss company Syngenta, which amounted to a $46 billion transaction and marked China’s biggest takeover of a foreign company. 

Recently, China has exhibited a strong appetite for foreign acquisitions, particularly in the U.S.  O’Melveny law firm’s 2016 investment study suggests that Chinese business owners’ investment in the U.S. will be higher in 2016 than in previous years.  The study mentioned the U.S. as a key target nation for Chinese acquirers, as Chinese buyers are looking for growth at a time where their home markets are facing a relative slowdown.  Overall, China’s cross border deal value has increased over the past year; including both inbound and outbound acquisitions.  Specifically, China’s cross border deal value totaled $95.1 billion in Q1 2016, representing an increase of 136 percent compared to Q1 2015.  

Chinese companies have emerged as a dynamic force in deal making in a number of sectors.  China’s increased M&A activity highlights its attempt to serve its growing consumer class, as the nation copes with sharp declines in its stock market and less domestic economic growth prospects.  According to Barclay’s Head of Americas M&A, Larry Hamdan, we should “expect China outbound M&A to continue as they seek to bring leading international brands and technologies to their home market and to drive growth by expanding into new geographies.”  Gilberto Pozzi, co-head of global M&A at Goldman Sachs, agrees that China is attempting to drive growth through cross border acquisitions, asserting that “robust Chinese M&A activity was primarily driven by a combination of decelerating growth in China, leading companies to diversify across geographies, and government support on foreign strategic acquisitions.” 

In the future, we can expect China’s remarkable amount of outbound M&A activity to continue. According to Pozzi, decelerating growth and the government’s encouragement of foreign acquisitions are both “strong tailwinds which direct towards continued outbound Chinese M&A activity for the rest of 2016 and beyond.”  As more Chinese buyers have recently begun to hire advisers very early in the deal making process, we have seen more and more successful transactions.

Versailles Group is a 29-year-old Boston-based investment bank that specializes in international mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.  Versailles Group’s skill, flexibility, and experience have enabled it to successfully close M&A transactions for companies with revenues between US$2 million and US$250 million.  Versailles Group has closed transactions in all economic environments, literally around the world.

Versailles Group provides clients with both buy-side and sell-side M&A services, and has been completing cross-border transactions since its founding in 1987.  

More information on Versailles Group, Ltd. can be found at www.versaillesgroup.com.

For additional information, please contact

Donald Grava

Founder and President

+617-449-3325

July 12, 2016

 

 

Jul 06

Brexit - Middle Market M&A

Donald Grava July 6, 2016

Brexit Middle Market M&A

Versailles Group - Brexit

 

U.S. middle-market M&A is, for the most part, shielded from the Brexit volatility, according to Franklin Square’s senior economist, Lara Rhame.  In 2015, U.S. middle-market companies generated 87 percent of their revenues from domestic sales.  Of the 13 percent of the middle-market revenues generated outside the U.S., only 3 percent came from Europe.  Thus, M&A in the U.S. should not be drastically impacted by Britain’s exit from the EU, as U.S. companies have placed a greater emphasis on buying and selling both domestically and outside of Europe. 

Nevertheless, the post-referendum weakening of the British Pound relative to the U.S. dollar could potentially have significant implications for M&A activity between Britain and the U.S.  As the exchange rate between the Pound and the Dollar fluctuates, so do sales between the two countries – this phenomenon is known as the substitution effect.  As the Pound strengthens against the Dollar, Pound denominated goods and services become more expensive, meaning that Dollar denominated goods and services become more attractive.  Hence, U.S. sales to Britain increase, and British sales to the U.S. decrease.  In contrast, when the Pound weakens, Pound denominated goods and services become less expensive, resulting in Dollar denominated goods and services becoming less attractive.  Thus, U.S. sales to Britain decrease, and British sales to the U.S. increase. 

Ultimately, this substitution is rooted in the notion that as prices rise, consumers will replace more expensive items with less costly alternatives.  In recent years, the exchange rate of the British Pound to the U.S. Dollar has averaged about US$1.60.  This rate declined a bit throughout the start of 2016, and dropped to roughly US$1.36 immediately after the Brexit vote.  Overall, this low exchange rate puts the Pound near a multi-decade low relative to the U.S. Dollar.  One possible effect of this record-low exchange rate is substitution; in terms of M&A, this substitution could potentially lead to U.S. companies buying more companies in the U.K. 

Studies have repeatedly suggested that U.S. middle market companies should consider expanding outside the U.S.; these companies should either buy or sell overseas, or potentially establish overseas operations.  Hence, the decision to expand generally comes down to the choice of either building or buying.  In the most basic terms, a target company in the U.K. that is selling will cost about 15 percent lower in U.S. Dollar terms compared to two or three years ago.  This reduction is very beneficial for U.S. companies looking to buy British companies.  Consequently, some private equity firms have argued that the Brexit economic uncertainty will bring prices on potential U.K. acquisitions down to more reasonable levels, which could spur cross-border M&A activity.

A good M&A advisor with cross-border transaction experience should be able to assist in acquiring a company in the UK.  As always, it’s important to have several targets in mind so that the very best acquisition is completed.

Versailles Group is a 29-year-old Boston-based investment bank that specializes in international mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.  Versailles Group’s skill, flexibility, and experience have enabled it to successfully close M&A transactions for companies with revenues between US$2 million and US$250 million.  Versailles Group has closed transactions in all economic environments, literally around the world.

Versailles Group provides clients with both buy-side and sell-side M&A services, and has been completing cross-border transactions since its founding in 1987.  

More information on Versailles Group, Ltd. can be found at www.versaillesgroup.com.

For additional information, please contact

Donald Grava

Founder and President

+617-449-3325

July 6, 2016

 
Jun 26

Tech M&A Update - Q1 2016

Donald Grava June 26, 2016

Q1 2016 Tech M&A Update

speed-power-1920-1080-.jpg

Q1 2016 Tech M&A Update

While the tech industry may not repeat the same record-breaking deal volume it experienced in 2015, the consensus is that 2016 will be a very active year for technology M&A.  

According to prominent venture capitalist, Marc Andreessen, Microsoft’s planned acquisition of LinkedIn is indicative of an imminent increase in M&A across the tech sector.  Andreessen predicts there will be many deals through the remainder of 2016 and the entirety of 2017, asserting that there are numerous deals that should have already happened, but have not occurred yet.  “Most of the big tech companies have done very well over the past five years, they’ve piled up lots of cash, and they have to go shopping,” affirmed Andreessen on Tuesday, June 14, 2016.

Tech M&A is also on the rise globally, accounting for roughly 14% of M&A deals worldwide in Q1 2015, which was the most of any industry.  The chart below depicts tech deal volume and value in Q1 for the past five years.  Overall, global Tech M&A deal volume peaked this past quarter (Q1). 

 

Versailles Group - Tech M&A Update

 

Just recently, Microsoft Corp announced its planned acquisition of LinkedIn Corp in an all-cash transaction deal valued at US$26.2 billion.  According to Mergermarket’s records, the deal is the third highest valued deal within the US technology sector since 2001 and has consequently given a much needed boost to the sector’s current M&A activity.

Thus, despite a slow start to the year and a lack of momentum, M&A activity in the US tech sector is back on track to match last year’s record.  833 deals worth US$254.7 billion were struck in 2015, which overshadowed 2014’s record value by 94.7%.  According to Thomson Reuters, US$209 billion in tech transactions have been announced so far this year and these deals are expected to close by year end.

Versailles Group is a 29-year-old Boston-based investment bank that specializes in international mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.  Versailles Group’s skill, flexibility, and experience have enabled it to successfully close M&A transactions for companies with revenues between US$2 million and US$250 million.  Versailles Group has closed transactions in all economic environments, literally around the world.

Versailles Group provides clients with both buy-side and sell-side M&A services, and has been completing cross-border transactions since its founding in 1987.  

More information on Versailles Group, Ltd. can be found at www.versaillesgroup.com.

For additional information, please contact

Donald Grava

Founder and President

+617-449-3325

June 26, 2016