M&A Deal Value in North America Rises Sharply in May

Jun 12, 2012 - by Debbie Stephenson

New research findings reveal that M&A deal activity in North America is on the rise. After somewhat disappointing figures in April, the value of deals targeting North American companies rose in May by a sharp 45%, from a rather lackluster US$57,365 million to a healthy US$83,081 million. Deal volume was also up, from 1,063 to 1,096 transactions.

Deal-making in the US was the main factor driving the increase, with 814 transactions totaling US$75,353 million. This was an increase of almost 50% over the previous month, when 783 transactions worth US$50,443 million were recorded. Canadian deals also contributed to the increase, with 282 transactions worth a collective US$7,728 million - a respectable 11.7% increase on the previous month.

Sourcing Deals in an Increasingly Networked World – Webinar Recap

Jun 19, 2012 - by Debbie Stephenson

Firmex recently hosted the webinar “Sourcing Deals in an Increasingly Networked World” with Peter Lehrman, CEO of AxialMarket. Drawing on his own company as an example, Peter outlined how online deal platforms are transforming the way is which deals are sourced. 

As the internet has transformed, so too has the business marketplace, with more and more businesses migrating and interacting online. Peter outlines how the internet has evolved from a basic information retrieval tool, to a platform for complex transactions and, more importantly, interactions.

Healthcare’s E-Health and Medical Device Sectors Positioned for Continued M&A Activity

Jun 26, 2012 - by Debbie Stephenson

The healthcare industry is faced with slow revenue growth, uncertainties resulting from healthcare reform and the economy in general.  As a result, hospitals and healthcare providers are looking to cut expenses and increase efficiencies or to consolidate in the hopes of streamlining operations and gaining pull with the industry payors.  As strategic mergers and acquisitions in the sector continue, private equity firms are positioning to capitalize on this industry in transition.  BDO, the national accounting and consulting firm, recently released a study, which showed 21 percent of private equity professionals (the second largest percentage of all respondents) see the greatest opportunities for new investments, during the next 12 months, in the healthcare and biotech industries.

The Shift from East to West: Chinese Investment in North America

Dec 3, 2012 - by Debbie Stephenson

Amid the global economic slowdown, 2012 has shaped up to be a healthy year for Chinese investment abroad. According to a recent PwC report, China’s outbound deal values tripled in the first half of 2012. 

Some of the biggest transactions to have transpired this year in North America include the impending $15.1 billion CNOOC - Nexen deal, and Dalian Wanda’s $2.6 billion acquisition of AMC Entertainment.

But not everyone is welcoming Chinese investment.