Is M&A at an inflection point?

The uncertain but widespread impact of #COVID-19 (#coronavirus) is clearly affecting economic confidence and growth. 

Black swan events will always upend deal dynamics. While existing deal processes in less impacted sectors are still proceeding, albeit with less certain timetables, for many companies the outbreak will prompt a pause in deal activity.

Companies are understandably prioritizing employee welfare and operational issues, while also navigating valuation volatility, recasting financial forecasts and facing important decisions that will shape their long-term future.

While the current environment remains fluid, and definitive data models are yet to be established, we believe it’s still vital to keep channels of dialogue open.

This is why we are putting out a new program for clients called M&A Inflection Points. This regular, multi-episode video and article series explores the major issues impacting M&A in 2020. 

In this series, Larry and I address a range of issues around the M&A landscape, including:

• Coronavirus and its likely effects on deal activity and corporate board decision-making
• The impact of the upcoming US election and European developments on the timing and scope of M&A activity
• Deal dynamics around cash vs stock in a fluctuating market that has retreated from recent peak conditions
• What to expect from different sectors and geographies
• How the private equity playbook for 2020 might be impacted

We also cast an eye on longer-term trends like shareholder activism, tech-driven convergence and more. Unexpected market events will not call time on secular trends that are transforming markets and industries.

Explore our new series below. We welcome your thoughts and feedback.