Top Trending Acquisitions & Mergers News & Highlights
This Diwali, OOH ad sales increase by 20%, while data-driven campaigns increase DOOH share by 24%.
This year's Diwali brilliance extended beyond diyas and fireworks, illuminating billboards, computer screens, and Indian cityscapes. Brands transformed the outdoors into a canvas of color, emotion, and commerce by painting the streets with joyous tales in both Tier-II communities and busy metropolises. The outcome? For the Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising sector in India, this was one of the busiest holiday seasons to date. Due to early holiday planning, daring creative executions, and a swift transition to digital and data-led outdoor solutions, the industry saw impressive double-digit growth as consumer sentiment skyrocketed and advertiser confidence returned in full force.The OOH sector has grown significantly over this holiday season, which is indicative of both the restored vigor in consumer markets and economic optimism. Vaishal Dalal, co-founder of Excellent Publicity, emphasized this momentum and noted that the industry's growth trajectory is still strong. This holiday season, the OOH sector has experienced strong double-digit growth. OOH advertising revenues increased steadily across the country, from ₹4,140 crore in 2023 to ₹4,650 crore in 2024, and are expected to surpass ₹5,200 crore in 2025. The entire OOH ad expenditure increased by more than 15–20% year over year during Diwali, thanks to robust seasonal campaigns in industries including retail, FMCG, consumer durables, automotive, and BFSI."Internal estimates indicate a ~40% YoY increase in Diwali-related OOH bookings at Excellent Publicity, surpassing the industry average," he added. Early festive planning, strong advertiser confidence, and nearly full occupancy across premium billboard sites were credited with this spike.Vikas Nowal, CEO of Interspace Communications, echoed this pattern, stating that the company also experienced a notable Christmas bump. Our OOH company has performed well throughout the Diwali holiday season this year, with a projected 20% increase in sales over the previous year. Higher consumer involvement and greater advertising confidence throughout the festival period are reflected in this uptick," he continued. With companies aiming for both quantifiable engagement and widespread effect, both leaders concur that the OOH medium has become one of the most dependable and prominent options for festive storytelling.
Published 21 Oct 2025 07:55 PM
To improve hybrid cloud services, CCI approves Capgemini's complete acquisition of Singapore-based Cloud4C.
In order to strengthen its hybrid cloud and AI-driven enterprise products, the French IT giant, which has a sizable delivery base in India, had announced the deal in August.The request by French IT services giant Capgemini to fully purchase Singapore-based Cloud4C was accepted by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Tuesday.The move followed Capgemini's announcement in August of this year that it had inked a deal to buy Cloud4C, a pioneer in hybrid cloud platform services.According to an announcement from CCI, the proposed combination is related to Capgemini SE's purchase of all shares of Cloud4C Services Pte Ltd (Target 1) and Cloud4C Services Pvt Ltd (Target 2). The Capgemini group's ultimate parent company is Capgemini SE. In a post on X, the regulator stated, "Commission approves proposed acquisition of Cloud4C Services Pte Ltd and Cloud4C Services Pvt Ltd by Capgemini SE."Capgemini, a prominent multinational in consulting, digital transformation, technology, and engineering services, has its headquarters in Paris. One of the company's biggest delivery bases worldwide is India, where it is well-represented.
Published 15 Oct 2025 05:23 PM
Why the largest automakers in the world are reconsidering their
The electric vehicle (EV) boom is slowing down globally. As governmental changes, costs, and consumer reluctance redefine the industry's future, major automakers are reducing their production and adopting hybrids after years of bold all-electric commitments.Although growth will be uneven, EVs will account for one in four worldwide auto sales this year, according to BloombergNEF's annual Electric Vehicle Outlook report. With more than half of all new automobiles sold in China being electric, the U.S. and Europe are facing declining demand and political unpredictability. In the meantime, reasonably priced EVs are driving historic growth in emerging economies like Vietnam and Thailand.Automakers are shifting their tactics to include hybrids and plug-in hybrids after previously promising entirely electric lines. A reconsideration is being compelled by declining sales, exorbitant battery prices, and inadequate infrastructure for charging. 1. A slower rate of consumer acceptance Mass-market consumers are still wary about EVs, despite early adopters' enthusiastic embrace. Enthusiasm has been tempered by range concern, expensive upfront costs, and uneven charging infrastructure, particularly in nations with weak charging networks or growing electricity bills. 2. Expensive batteries and a lack of materials The price of lithium, nickel, and cobalt—essential components of EV batteries—has fluctuated. Profit margins have been squeezed by this unpredictability, which has also reduced the financial appeal of EV production. Costs are still high when compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid vehicles, even with the emergence of local battery plants. 3. Gaps in charging infrastructure The charging network is still sporadic outside of China and several regions of Europe. Long charging durations and a lack of fast-charging stations continue to deter consumers in the US and India. Automakers are concerned about generating EVs more quickly than the infrastructure can handle.
Published 14 Oct 2025 09:20 PM
SBI looks to focus on deal financing within its own territory, as a draft regulation from the RBI proposes an even playing field for Indian banks
The State Bank of India (SBI), which has long funded the overseas acquisitions of Indian companies, believes it is prepared to support domestic mergers and acquisitions (M&As) as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) looks into the possibility of allowing domestic lenders to do so.“Our outbound M&A financing involves Indian corporations acquiring foreign entities. Banks such as SBI possess extensive knowledge of acquisition financing,” C.S. Setty, chairman of the largest lender in the country, informed reporters during the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai on Wednesday.Amitabh Chaudhry, the managing director and CEO of Axis Bank, stated on Tuesday that his bank aims not only to take part but also to challenge foreign banks that have been funding these acquisitions for several years, offering them “a run for their money.”On 1 October, in the course of detailing its review of monetary policy, the RBI unveiled a draft framework aimed at allowing domestic banks to underwrite acquisition financing for Indian corporates—something that has been desired by the banking sector for a long time. Regulatory constraints had effectively prohibited Indian banks from providing loans for share purchases in acquisition deals up to this point. Foreign banks, non-bank financial institutions, bond markets, and private equity largely took on those tasks.As the RBI aims to revise the regulations, domestic banks might soon benefit from a level playing field that is conditioned on safeguards, credit limits, and oversight standards. Market participants think this action could reveal value in the corporate funding life cycle. “Im Zuge des Geschäftsjahres 2024 beliefen sich die Werte von M&A-Transaktionen auf mehr als 120 Milliarden US-Dollar (ungefähr ₹10 lakh crore bzw. trillion). As per a note from SBI Research Ecowrap following the RBI's announcement regarding draft rules, if we consider that the debt component accounts for 40% of M&A and that banks could finance 30% of this, it results in a possible credit growth of ₹1.2 lakh crore.
Published 09 Oct 2025 04:27 PM
Acquisitions & Mergers
Acquisitions & Mergers are the latest trend in the globe.
Veranda Learning purchases stock in Navkar Digital and BB Virtuals.
By June 2025, the corporation plans to purchase an additional 10.59% of BB Virtuals. Veranda anticipates a pro forma EBITDA of more than Rs 120 crores for FY25 as a result of these acquisitions. A premier online resource for those aspiring to become chartered accountants (CAs) and commerce professionals, BB Virtuals was developed by the well-known CA educator Bhanwar Borana. More than 500 all-India rank winners have been produced from its more than 200,000 online pupils.Mr. Hiteshkumar Shah founded Navkar Digital, a reputable offline learning environment for Gujarati candidates aspiring to become chartered accountants (CA), company secretaries (CS), and cost and management accountants (CMAs). Prof. J.K. Shah, the founder of JK Shah Classes "By bringing in BB Virtuals and Navkar Digital into the Veranda ecosystem integrating these companies with JK Shah Classes, we are building a powerful alliance that provides students pursuing commerce education with unparalleled academic support. "Part of the Kalpathi AGS Group, Veranda Learning Solutions is a publicly traded education technology company that provides a variety of professional skilling and upskilling programs in addition to training programs for competitive exam preparation, including those for the state public service commission, banking, insurance, railways, IAS, and CA.
Russia Investigates Merging Oil Giants to Become a Mega Producer
With nearly three times Exxon Mobil's output, the resulting company would easily be the second-largest crude producer in the world, behind Saudi Arabia's Aramco.Moscow is working on a plan to merge its biggest oil companies into a single national champion, a deal that would tighten President Vladimir Putin’s grip on global energy markets and Russia’s wartime economy.According to persons familiar with the talks, one scenario being explored would see state-backed major Rosneft Oil acquire independently-owned Lukoil and fellow state producer Gazprom Neft, a division of natural-gas exporter Gazprom. All three companies are subject to U.S. sanctions. Russia is exploring a plan to merge its three largest oil companies into a single producer. The merger would create the world's second-largest oil producer, after Saudi Arabia's Aramco.According to the Wall Street Journal, the Russian government is allegedly developing a plan to combine the nation's biggest oil companies into a national mega-producer, which would make it the second-largest producer in the world and bolster Russian President Vladimir Putin's control over international energy markets.
Building-Products Distributor QXO Prepares to Nominate Directors Over Beacon Deal
QXO publishes offer to buy Beacon for $124.25 per share, says it has been rebuffed time and againQXO said Wednesday that it has secured the committed financing for a deal and is prepared to nominate directors to Beacon's board. It also said it told Beacon that the offer of $124.25 is “very close to the highest end” of what it is willing to pay.QXO, Inc. (Nasdaq: QXO) today announced that it has made public a proposal to the Board of Directors of Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. (Nasdaq: BECN) to acquire all outstanding shares of Beacon for $124.25 per share in cash. The proposal implies a total transaction value of approximately $11 billion and a 37% premium above Beacon’s 90-day unaffected volume-weighted average price of $91.02. “Our all-cash offer provides compelling value. We think Beacon shareholders have a right to consider our proposal, despite the attempt by Beacon’s Board of Directors to conceal it from them,” said Brad Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of QXO.
CY24 saw a 38% increase in M&A activity in India, with a $35 billion IPO pipeline.
Indian conglomerates and international private equity investors were the main drivers of India's 38% increase in M&A activity in CY24, which reached $109 billion. With an active IPO pipeline, the equity capital market raised $74 billion. India is becoming a preferred monetization option for MNCs.Mumbai: In CY24, India's M&A activity increased by 38% to $109 billion from $79 billion the previous year. A research by Kotak Mahindra Investment Bank claims that this increase is indicative of strong investor confidence in India's growth story. Indian conglomerates and international private equity investors were the main drivers of India's 38% increase in M&A activity in CY24, which reached $109 billion. With an active IPO pipeline, the equity capital market raised $74 billion.
Shutterstock and Getty Images will merge in a $3.7 billion deal.
Shutterstock and Getty Images Holdings have reached an agreement to combine into a single visual content business with an estimated enterprise value of $3.7 billion. When the merger closes, Getty stockholders will own around 54.7% of the combined business, which will continue to use the Getty name, the firms announced Tuesday. Ownership of the remaining 45.3% will go to shutterstock stockholders.The $3.7 billion visual content company that will be created by the merger of Shutterstock and Getty Images will add a variety of items to their portfolios.The $3.7 billion visual content company will be formed by the merger of Shutterstock and Getty Images. Getty Images CEO Craig Peters said in a statement on Tuesday that "never has there been a better time for our two businesses to come together, given the rapid rise in demand for compelling visual content across industries."Peters will be the combined company's chief executive officer. The shareholders of Shutterstock will have the option of receiving a mixed consideration of 9.17 shares of Getty Images common stock plus $9.50 in cash for each share of Shutterstock common stock they own, or approximately $28.85 per share in cash for each share of Shutterstock common stock they own. Alternatively, they will receive 13.67 shares of Getty Images common stock for each share of Shutterstock common stock they own.
Nippon Steel's $15 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel is blocked by Biden: Report
The Washington Post said on Friday that U.S. President Joe Biden has chosen to thwart Nippon Steel's $14.9 billion buyout offer of U.S. Steel, citing two unidentified administration officials who were not authorized to discuss the situation.The Washington Post reports that Biden's choice might be made public by the White House as early as Friday.According to U.S. Steel, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States was unable to come to a consensus on whether to approve the acquisition, therefore on December 23, the matter was submitted to Biden.After receiving the CFIUS examination, Biden had 15 days to approve or deny the merger. As a result, Nippon Steel decided to move the transaction's deadline from the third or fourth quarter of 2024 to the first quarter of 2025.The acquisition raised concerns among the CFIUS that Nippon Steel might reduce U.S. Steel's manufacturing capacity, endangering American national security. According to The Washington Post, the CFIUS stated in its assessment that "potentially decreased output by U.S. Steel could result in supply shortages and delays that could affect industries critical to national security." Nippon Steel on Tuesday gave the U.S. government the power to veto any cuts to the company's steel production in an effort to allay that concern. Nippon Steel had previously made several concessions on the deal, including maintaining U.S. Steel's Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, headquarters and appointing U.S. citizens to the board of directors. U.S. Steel shareholders supported the merger and voted in favor of its approval in April. President and CEO David B. Burritt of U.S. Steel stated, "The resounding support from our stockholders is a clear endorsement that they recognize the compelling rationale for our transaction with NSC." However, Biden, who has always openly opposed the deal, was not persuaded by those arguments. Biden declared in an official statement in March that "[U.S. Steel] must continue to be an American steel company that is owned and operated domestically." The incoming U.S. president
In an all-cash transaction, RIL pays Rs 375 cr to purchase healthcare company Karkinos.
Reliance Industries, owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, announced on Saturday that it has paid Rs 375 crore to acquire Karkinos, a technology-driven healthcare platform with an oncology focus.In a stock exchange filing, Reliance Strategic Business Ventures (RSBVL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the most valuable corporation in India listed on the Mumbai Stock Exchange, announced that it had successfully acquired Karkinos Healthcare Pvt Ltd and allocated the necessary shares. Karkinos was founded in India on July 24, 2020, and offers cutting-edge, technology-driven solutions for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and early detection. In the fiscal year 2022–2023, it generated approximately Rs 22 crore in revenue."Reliance Strategic Business Ventures Ltd has on December 27, 2024, subscribed to and has been allotted 10 mn equity shares of Rs 10 each, for cash, aggregating Rs 10 crore and 365 million optionally fully convertible debentures of Rs 10 each, for cash, aggregating Rs 365 crore of Karkinos," according to the regulatory filing.
The cement business anticipates stronger growth in 2025.
The Indian cement industry, which is seeing two corporate houses consolidate and become more competitive, is focusing on 2025 in the hopes of improving sales realization, increasing margins, and accelerating demand. It anticipates an approximate 8% increase in sales, aided by higher government spending on expensive infrastructure projects. Two major firms are paying USD 4.5 billion to purchase more than 50 MTPA (million tonnes per annum) of capacity: UltraTech, a company in the Aditya Birla group. From moderate capacity utilization to lower sales realisation, which affected the topline of several manufacturers, to margin contraction and slower volume growth, the industry confronted numerous problems in 2024.As part of its inorganic expansion strategy, Adani Cements, a lateral entrant in the sector, recently announced that it would purchase Orient Cement, a company owned by the CK Birla group, in addition to completing the acquisition of Penna Industries and Sanghi Industries, all of which are situated in Saurashtra. Additionally, it has seized the facilities of smaller competitors, such as My Home and its affiliate ACC, which has purchased Asian Concretes and Cements.
The acquisition of Canaccor Genuity Group Inc.'s securities has been announced by CG Partners Limited.
TORONTO, Dec. 20, 2024 /CNW/ - To acquire and hold common shares and other securities of Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. (the "Company") on behalf of its employees, CG Partners Limited Partnership (the "Partnership"), an independent employee share-ownership vehicle, announced that it has purchased 1,092,519 common shares of the company ("Shares"). The Partnership held 9,914,000 shares prior to the acquisition, which accounted for about 9.7% of the total number of shares in circulation. After the purchase, the Partnership now holds 11,006,519 shares in total, or about 10.7% of the total number of shares in circulation. In accordance with its objective to act as a long-term ownership vehicle for senior employees of the Company, the Partnership plans to hold the Shares for investment purposes. The number of shares held by the Partnership may occasionally rise or fall as a result of the Partnership's acquisition or disposal of shares as participating employees depart and new employees join the Partnership.In accordance with National Instrument 62-103, The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, this press release is being released. On the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca, a copy of the early warning report that the Partnership is required to file in relation to the transactions detailed below will be accessible.The Partnership will file an early warning report in connection with the transactions outlined here, and a copy of the report will be accessible on the Company's SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca.
A US regulator launches a comprehensive antitrust investigation targeting Microsoft
Microsoft (MSFT.O) is the latest Big Tech company to come under regulatory scrutiny after the U.S. Federal Trade Commission launched a comprehensive antitrust investigation against the company, according to a source familiar with the situation on Wednesday.According to the source, the FTC would be investigating its cloud computing operations, software licensing, and cybersecurity and AI product practices. MICROSOFT Ahead of her anticipated departure in January and the anticipation that incoming President Donald Trump would name a fellow Republican with a more lenient stance toward business, Chair Lina Khan approved the FTC's antitrust investigation. According to sources earlier this month, Microsoft's antitrust probe would also examine claims that the software behemoth is abusing its market dominance in productivity software by enforcing harsh licensing conditions to stop users from transferring their data from its Azure cloud service to rival platforms.Alphabet A new tab opens in Alphabet's (GOOGL.O). Prosecutors contend that Google should sell its Chrome browser, share data and search results, and potentially even sell Android in the Google search case, where a federal judge found that the company had violated the law by illegally controlling internet search. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta will convene a two-week trial to determine whether remedies are appropriate in this case after giving Google an opportunity to suggest its own remedies in December.
Seeking to seize incredible deals in the digital market: CCI
Ravneet Kaur, the chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), stated on Wednesday that the agency is attempting to use deal valuations to stop "creeping" and "killer acquisitions" in the digital sector."We are making an effort to remember that there are digital business models that function at zero charge, thus the asset turnover limits might not exist. Therefore, we are currently attempting to use the deal value to capture creeping acquisitions and killer acquisitions," she stated.At a CII event, Kaur stated, "This is really customized for the Indian scenario and how we have to protect our ecosystem," emphasizing the antitrust regulator's attempt to strengthen models to guarantee fair competition in the market while taking into account Indian-specific sensitivities and interests. Kaur stated that the CCI views mergers and acquisitions "in a very facilitative manner" and has no intention of preventing them. The CCI examines structural and behavioral solutions to make sure there is no violation of rules and regulations, she said, even if regulators in certain jurisdictions have prohibited the acquisitions because they believed they would endanger fair competition in the market. -Our Bureau
Banco BPM shares in Italy rise as Credit Agricole increases its ownership.
Following the announcement late last week by French lender Crédit Agricole that it was increasing its holding in the Italian bank, Banco BPM shares surged on Monday.Early trading saw Banco BPM shares increase more than 2%, the most since January 2016. On Friday, Crédit Agricole said that it had begun the process of increasing its ownership in Banco BPM.If approved by Italian officials, this would increase its ownership from 9.9% to 15.1%.Additionally, the bank stated that it had no plans to issue a tender offer for Banco BPM stock, thus it would not be pressuring stockholders to sell. Although the French lender is now Banco BPM's top investor, this suggests that a large-scale takeover is not on its near agenda. In a statement, the French bank stated, "This transaction is consistent with Crédit Agricole's strategy as a long-term investor and partner of Banco BPM." "It strengthens the solid industrial partnerships in consumer finance and in non-life, personal protection and creditor protection insurance, and highlights Crédit Agricole's appreciation of Banco BPM's intrinsic qualities, ie a solid business franchise with positive financial prospects."
The CEO says Mubadala would concentrate on projects in Asia.
Khaldoon Al Mubarak, the CEO and managing director of the Abu Dhabi wealth fund Mubadala Investment Company, has stated that the company will concentrate on investments in Asia.At the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa summit, Al Mubarak stated, "Asia in general, we are under-invested," according to Reuters."You need to have a very strong perspective on India and the South-East because that's where growth is and where the population is increasing," he stated.Mubadala has made $4 billion in investments in India, including in the telecom and retail companies of billionaire Mukesh Ambani and the renewable energy division of Tata Power. To further solidify the expanding business ties between the UAE and China, the Emirati wealth fund formally opened an office in Beijing in September. According to Al Mubarak, Mubadala has about $20 billion in exposure to the US asset class and is concentrating on private lending and artificial intelligence (AI). According to him, the fund manages $330 billion in assets. This month, Mubadala Capital, the company's alternative asset management division, committed more than $1 billion in funding over time to purchase a 42% share in US credit asset manager Silver Rock Financial.
Hinduja Tech, a division of Ashok Leyland, has successfully acquired TECOSIM Group.
Due to TECOSIM's solid presence in Europe, Hinduja Tech may cover a wider geographic area and pursue new business opportunities, such as catering to a varied clientele around the continent.An important step toward Hinduja Tech Ltd's goal of ranking among the top 10 worldwide mobility engineering firms has been taken with the completion of the acquisition of Germany-based engineering services provider TECOSIM Group GmbH.A global engineering, research, and development technology business with an emphasis on mobility, Hinduja Tech Ltd. is a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, a manufacturer of heavy commercial vehicles. The calculated action demonstrates Hinduja Tech Ltd.'s continued dedication to strengthening its position as the industry leader in automotive engineering worldwide. According to a business statement from Hinduja Tech Ltd, the acquisition will boost competitiveness, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen the company's position in the worldwide market. "This acquisition reinforces Hinduja Tech Ltd's vision of becoming a global leader in sustainable mobility solutions," the announcement read. Due to TECOSIM's solid presence in Europe, Hinduja Tech can cover a wider geographic area and explore new business opportunities, such as catering to a varied clientele around the continent. "TECOSIM Group is a welcome addition to the Hinduja Tech family. This demonstrates our steadfast dedication to innovation and expansion," Kumar Prabhas, CEO of Hinduja Tech Ltd., stated. "TECOSIM Group's experience in body engineering and virtual validation is a fantastic fit for our current
Live stock market updates for August 20 2024 Sensex and Nifty both rise, while the Nifty IT index adds more than 1%.
Nifty, Sensex, and Stock Prices LIVE: Tuesday's trade is firm for the Sensex and Nifty, the key Indian indices. The BSE Sensex increased 432.66 points, or 0.54%, to trade at 80,857.34 at 11:23 a.m. The Nifty 50 increased 133.35 points, or 0.54%, to trade at 24,706. Activities focused on rotating stocks and sectors are probably going to take center stage, and increased levels of profit-taking are expected. The focus is currently on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's address at the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium, which may offer important information on interest rate policy in the future. Given that Nifty was unable to end Monday's trading session higher, it appears to be technically tired. A move below the 50 DMA at about 24,000 might cause the index to move towards 23,800. The daily RSI, which is now holding around 45, signals weakness. IndiaStock Market Today | Share Market Live Updates - Get all the latest information on share prices, Indian stock markets, Sensex, Nifty, BSE, and NSE live for August 20, 2024.
UltraTech says India Cements will continue to be a listed entity.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the cricket team that plays in the Indian Premier League (IPL), are owned by India Cements promoters N Srinivasan and his family. This ownership will not alter.The Aditya Birla group company claimed in a regulatory statement that UltraTech, the acquirer, has no "intention to delist" the competitor cement company located in South Africa, so India Cement Ltd. (ICL) will continue to be a listed corporation.Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the cricket team that plays in the Indian Premier League (IPL), are still owned by N Srinivasan and his family, promoters of India Cements. In a copy of a public statement that was published to markets on Monday, Axis Capital, which is handling the open offer for UltraTech, stated that the leading cement player plans to purchase 8.05 crore shares of ICL, or 26% of the holdings of the cement producer situated in Chennai. "The acquirer does not have an intention to delist the target company (ICL) pursuant to this open offer," it stated."At a price of Rs 390 per offer share aggregating to a total consideration of up to Rs 3,142.35 crore," the open offer is contingent upon the fair trade regulator CCI granting the necessary statutory permission. The shares of ICL were up 0.56% from the previous close to trade at Rs 376.70 apiece on the BSE, making the offer price 3.53 percent higher. The flagship business of the Aditya Birla Group, UltraTech Cement, announced on Sunday that it would pay Rs 3,954 crore to acquire a 32.72 percent stake in India Cements from promoters and their associates. This deal will enable UltraTech Cement to increase its presence in the fiercely competitive and rapidly expanding Southern cement market, particularly in Tamil Nadu. Moreover, in light of the completion
In H1 2024, startup M&As Drop 45% YoY to 37 Deals
SUMMARY: Compared to 67 M&A deals in H1 2023, the Indian startup industry saw just 37 deals in the first half of this year. The fewest M&A transactions over a six-month period occurred in H1 2024 compared to H1 2020, when there were 35 agreements. In terms of M&A activity, listed gaming giant Nazara Technologies led the startup scene.About 37 M&A deals were made in the startup ecosystem in the first half of 2024, according to the 'Indian Tech Startup Funding Report H1 2024'. This represented a 34% drop from 56 M&A deals in H2 2023 and a 45% dip from 67 such deals in H1 2023.
The big-deal arrogance of the global M&A market is waning while rates remain high in 2024.
The foundation of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is confidence. Additionally, anticipation of up to six interest rate reduction in Q1 contributed to the boost in U.S. confidence; however, the Fed has maintained its rate goal at 23-year record highs, and forecasts have decreased to maybe two or even zero rate cuts by year's end. After a bold foray into dealmaking in 2024, this has led to a small retreat. Per Mergermarket data, global M&A activity is up 17% year over year. With a number of larger-cap listed deals, the first half of the year got off to a roaring start as strategic investors used their share capital to try and push stagnant share prices in their quest for growth.Four of the targets for the top ten largest agreements in the first half of 2024 included stock swaps, while nine of the targets had U.S. headquarters. Large-cap transaction flow decreased as interest rate forecasts descended into a more moderate range. Only two of the top ten transactions were revealed in Q2: Silverlake's $14.9 billion offer for media conglomerate Endeavour Group and ConocoPhillips' $23.1 billion all-stock purchase of Texas-based upstream oil giant Marathon Oil in May.
