PwC Transactions Blog

Globally, financial services are undergoing unprecedented change.  At the same time, the eastward shift of economic power gives Asian financial services markets stronger growth potential than that of any other region.  As a result M&A is becoming an ever more important strategic tool for financial institutions in Asia.

Report key findings:

• Economic and demographic factors will drive strong growth in Asian financial services
• Domestic M&A looks set to remain the key driver of Asian financial services transactions
• Cross-border M&A in Asian financial services is expected to accelerate.  Bidders from more mature markets such as Australia, Japan, Korea and Singapore are being joined by European and American rivals.
• Capital restrictions are seen as the leading obstacle to M&A in the region, while talent management is seen as by far the greatest challenge for post-deal integration
• Despite regulatory and governmental activity, Asian financial services M&A is predicted to grow through 2011 and into 2012

 For more details, please check: http://www.pwc.com/gx/en/mergers-acquisitions-industry-trends/survey/index.jhtml

Download the full report: FS M&A Asia 2011 

European Financial Services – M&A news and views:  new perspectives on the recent trends and future developments in the M&A market, including analysis of the latest transactions and insights into emerging investment opportunities.

Read, amongst other things, how to develop a successful Middle Eastern strategy and how to buy into Turkey’s sustained growth.

Download this publication here! european-fs-ma-nov-10

Our fourth season of the M&A Academy took off today, the 14th of October. We started with a session given by Chris Hemmings, Global Head of Corporate Finance who talked about general trends in global M&A and the rising influence of Emerging Markets.

Some key messages we learned during this presentation is that Western companies are proactively seeking access to growth markets; that private equity continues to struggle, yielding opportunities for companies; and that emerging market buyers are seeking market advantage and margin.

Download the presentation General trends in global M&A and the rising influence of Emerging Markets.

More info about the M&A Academy season (programme, subscriptions, etc.).

During the last six years (2003-2008), Emerging Market entities made some 844 acquisitions or investments in Western Europe with a combined value of nearly € 120 billion (of which some 3% in Belgium).

As a result of the ‘credit crunch’ and the global economic slowdown, 2008 has been a week year for global M&A activity. Despite this, 2008 was a record year for M&A transactions conducted by Emerging Market acquirers or minority investors, with 256 completed deals with an overall value in excess of € 45 billion.

For companies facing possible distressed situation (or for other transactions), it could be a viable strategic option to consider getting a strategic Emerging Market investor on board. It could not only provide additional funding, but also access to high-growth markets.

Want to read more about the typical issues/concerns in such situations or things to remember when bridging cultural differences, than there is an interesting piece just published by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Find out more