Acquisition Activity Falls but Optimism Increases

According to the latest quarterly merger and activity league table; although global investment banks completed deals worth in excess of US$580 billion during the final quarter of last year – a 29 percent increase on figures for the third quarter – the figures remained 12 percent below figures from the same period in 2012.

In addition, the figures revealed that the number of deals completed overall during the last twelve months, was the lowest since the early 2000’s.

Although overall merger and acquisition activity throughout the last year was depressed, optimism for the coming 12 months has increased; with a survey conducted in December suggesting that high growth technology firms will finally consolidate and enter the fray.

According to the survey, boards within the sector are expected to seek out strategic partnerships as financial conditions improve, with 68 percent of decision makers in the sector citing partnerships as a key strategy employed during the crisis.

For those businesses looking to undertake a merger or acquisition (or are themselves the target), the Corporate Commercial law team at Royds can assist with impartial and tailored legal advice; and we are particularly experienced in the following areas:

• Private share and business sales (both domestic and cross-border)
• Joint ventures
• Private equity investments and exits
• Acquisitions and disposals of property investment vehicles

To find out how we can help with your acquisition, contact John North, Head of Corporate and Commercial on 020 7583 2222 or Claus Andersen, Partner in Corporate and Commercial.