M&A Digest | November 2023
M&A key statistics
WY M&A tracker
See how we analyse the latest global M&A activity across the media and technology sectors using our?live M&A tracker.
Notable deals this month
Insights from our team
Q3 experienced a dip in deal activity due to macroeconomic uncertainties and a summer lull, resembling pre-pandemic levels. Despite challenges like high interest rates, some significant deals occurred, including Cisco’s ￡22bn purchase of Splunk. Emerging sectors like retail media and gaming are witnessing a surge in acquisitions, hinting at a potentially active final quarter in 2023 for media and tech M&A.
To access the review, click the link below.
Explore the value of HR in M&A with the latest episode of our Q&A series featuring?Dustin Engel and Chris Sinclair, now live!
Building a stellar team is paramount. In our final video of the series, Dustin and Chris share invaluable insights on fostering best-in-class talent management. If you have any questions, or would like to chat to Dustin or Chris directly, please get in touch at?[email protected]?or?[email protected].
To access the video, and previous episodes, click the link below.
Deal spotlight
We are pleased to have successfully completed two deals over the past week, including advising leading?independent agency INCA Productions on their partnership with The Independents, and Keywords Studios acquisition?of multiplayer game development studio The Multiplayer Group for $97.1m.
Keywords Studios acquires multiplayer game development studio The Multiplayer Group (MPG) for $97.1m
领英推荐
The acquisition, marks a strategic move by Keywords to bolster its Create division and aligns with Keywords’ expansion strategy, adding a strong player in the multiplayer gaming sphere to its portfolio.
MPG is projected to contribute double-digit revenue growth in 2024 and the transaction aligns with Keywords’ targeted valuation range of five to seven times EBITDA. It is expected to be earnings per share (EPS) accretive in its first full year post-acquisition.
We advised Keywords Studios on their acquisition of MPG by providing financial due diligence services.
"WY provided us with highly commercial insights into the key value drivers of the MPG business model", says Darren Sheahan, Corporate Development, Keywords Studios. "Their support and guidance was invaluable in driving the deal to a successful conclusion for all concerned."
The Independents Group is strengthening its expertise in the experiential sector with its strategic acquisitions of INCA Productions. Nina Ferguson, chief growth officer at INCA Productions, added: “Joining the Independents family feels like a truly authentic partnership. It enables INCA to move into our next stage of growth, with a strong global network comprising best-in-class agencies in every corner of the globe.”
We acted as exclusive financial adviser to the shareholders of INCA Productions.
"It was an absolute pleasure working with the WY Partners team. Their professionalism and commitment to excellence ensured that every aspect of the sale process was handled with expertise and precision", says Nina Ferguson, Co-Founder of INCA Productions. "WY not only delivered an exceptional outcome but also provided invaluable advice and support, which was integral to our successful transaction. I couldn’t recommend them enough."
What we're reading
Wishing you all a wonderful festive period and Happy New Year
From everyone at WY, we would like to wish our readers a very happy festive period and New Year. We hope you have enjoyed reading our newsletters this year, and look forward to sharing more exciting news with you in 2024.
Join our M&A Digest group and stay connected
Join our LinkedIn group of over 350+ members to be part of conversations with like-minded people and share the latest industry news and insights.