Chemicals: Success through timely, tailored action 16
As chemical companies work to break out of two-plus years of underperformance in total shareholder returns, M&A could play a major role in jump-starting higher rates of growth. We describe recent drivers of chemical deals, including entering consumer goods sectors and new geographies, or improving sustainability. Execution mandates include tailoring the integration plan to maximize value, ensuring operational readiness on day one, and protecting and nurturing vital talent.
TMT: Thoughtful M&A strategies are key to growth 28
While the value of deals in the technology, media, and telecommunications industries fell last year, many players continued to pursue deals to offset investment costs and grow revenues. Amid indications of a resurgence in activity, we argue that the most successful players will be precise in ensuring that their deals and execution efforts align with their corporate strategies.
Life sciences M&A shows new signs of life 38
After deal value in life sciences peaked in 2021 and plummeted as the pandemic ended, dealmaking in the sector revived in 2023. Acquiring pre-commercial biotech assets to fuel growth renewed deal success for pharmaceutical companies. Managing the portfolio to improve profitability provided the key for medical technology companies. The current year promises to be an active one for deals across the sector.
Rebound of financial services M&A: Focus on growth and capabilities 48
Higher interest rates boosted banking profits in 2023, but many of the world’s banks still struggled to deliver returns above the cost of equity. The growing divide between the industry’s outperformers and others suggests that dealmaking will maintain or gain momentum in 2024, including divestments, carve-outs, geographic exits, and rescues—in addition to acquisitions designed to build scale, gain new capabilities, and drive growth.
Consumer goods: A changing landscape for successful M&A 58
Shifting macroeconomics in recent years prompted many consumer goods companies to change their M&A strategies—from large acquisitions in core businesses to smaller deals for high-growth companies, and then back again to the core. Looking ahead, winners will look for new ways to generate value, no matter what they buy. Some companies will take more time to strengthen their targets with new skills or funding. They will also look at new integration strategies, sometimes delaying or forgoing full integration.
The shifting sands of M&A in transportation and logistics 72
Powerful forces are transforming the transportation and logistics industry and shaping new investment priorities for 2024 and beyond. Leading investors are sitting on a war chest of funds and are ready to spend once the market picture clears, valuations embrace fairer multiples, and perspectives on how to best create value solidify. Would-be dealmakers should lay the groundwork for investment now.
Dealmaking in 2024: Getting it right
The portfolio management imperative and its M&A implications 82
The pandemic brought record levels of M&A activity. But a more volatile environment demands greater attention to portfolio management: selecting the right playing fields and managing company assets more tightly. We urge companies to take portfolio management very seriously— which means deciding where to play and building the capabilities required to win.
Creating value from green M&A 92
Across industries, companies increasingly see sustainability-linked deals as a way to stimulate growth and improve operations while raising their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) profiles. We note that the best-performing deals incorporate a tailored deal rationale that drives revenue synergies, retains and develops top talent, and aligns on a common mission and culture.
Leading through uncertainty: Navigating delays in M&A deals 100
Over the past two years, unplanned delays have plagued 30 percent of major acquisitions— stalling deals for six months on average. To avoid depleting value, momentum, and morale, dealmakers need to anticipate delays and develop contingency plans.
The culture compass: Using early insights to guide integration planning 108
Despite all the shifts affecting M&A markets, some imperatives remain unchanged. Culture has always been a key determinant of M&A success. Its importance argues for thinking about culture at every stage of the integration effort, starting well before launching integration planning, and using early insights into the cultures of both companies to shape the integration.
When a transaction forges a transformation 114
As central bankers work to combat high inflation, dealmakers have moved from near-zero cost of capital to an environment where the cost of capital has become a real factor. Accordingly, the most successful acquirers are looking beyond combinational synergies to achieve true performance transformation through M&A.
Spotlight on Asia
Creating value with M&A in Asia’s diverse marketplaces 122
The Asia-Pacific region continued to account for a quarter of global deal activity in 2023. Greater China saw less activity for the fourth consecutive year, while dealmaking in Australia and New Zealand held steady, and activity in Japan climbed. Seizing opportunities in this diverse market requires a nuanced grasp of local cultures and business practices.