Experts predict M&A surge

A new report has predicted that outbound M&A will surge over the second half of 2015.

The number of M&A transactions is set to increase by 8 per cent globally in the second half of this year, according to the Intralinks Deal Flow Predictor.

The Asia Pac region should show the strongest growth, after boasting a 15.8 per cent increase year on year.

Australia’s M&A growth hasn’t fared well by comparison as a result of the slowdown in global demand for commodities such as iron ore and coal.  According to Intralinks vice president of strategy & product marketing Philip Whitchelo, there are early signs of M&A activity in the consumer, real estate and retail sectors.

“With the sharp slowdown in inbound/domestic deals in the traditionally dominant Metals & Mining and Energy & Power sectors and a potentially weaker domestic economy, it makes sense for companies and investment funds to seek higher growth opportunities abroad,” he said. 

Outbound Australian M&A on the other hand, continues to grow as Australian corporates set sights on international acquisition.  Whitchelo said the number of announced deals is up by 9 per cent, following a 14 per cent rise last year.

“Australian law firms should definitely be thinking of how to help their clients with both acquisitions, especially cross-border, as well as divestment opportunities,” he said.

“As the structural shift away from the metals & mining resources-era boom M&A continues… that may mean cultivating links with overseas law firms… in order to ensure that they are able to provide their clients with intelligence and advice on non-domestic M&A opportunities.”

The Intralinks DFP is a tool predicting M&A deals prior to public announcement, enabling legal professionals to stay attuned to developments.

Recent articles & video

Two ascend to Kennedys Australia partnership

Moriarty Foundation CEO on 12 years of leading the RLC

Ardea taps Clayton Utz for advice on cooperation agreement with Japanese consortium

CLC calls for frontline services funding geared towards women's safety

US law firms Troutman Pepper and Locke Lord confirm potential merger

ABA survey reveals weakening US democracy, cites misinformation as a key factor

Most Read Articles

McCullough Robertson nets former HSF Queensland environmental practice head

K&L Gates assists with launch of $190 million venture capital fund

Tamboran Resources taps SPB for advice on first long-term gas sales agreement

Baker McKenzie boosts Los Angeles team with transactional lawyers from Munger, Tolles & Olson