Mergers & Acquisitions activity: In 2008, 1,853 deals with German participation and a known value of 123 bil. EUR have been announced. German Mergers & Acquisitions activity has decreased in terms of numbers (-24%) and value (-32%). The decrease in the number is much higher than the overall trend worldwide and in Europe – about 2.5 times as high. The decrease value however has been signifantly lower than in Europe or worldwide. National vs. Cross-border M&A: The share of national deals in the total value has reached a new record of 54%; last matched in 1997. Especially acquisition by German companies abroad have lost in importance of value.
More than the half of all German deals abroad take place in Western Europe. Deals in Asia-Pacific and Eastern Europe have slightly increased in importance in comparison to 2007. The most favorite countries are the United States and United Kingdom. The majority of foreign acquirors in Germany are from Western Europe. The most frequent acquirors are from the United States. Industry : The majority of deals in terms of number and value have taken place in the industrial sector. Top deals: National deals dominate the list of top deals in 2008. 3 out of the top 15 deals are share buy backs, taking advantage of lower valuations.
Table of contents
Executive Summary
1) Mergers & Acquisitions Activity in Germany
2) National and Cross-border M&A in Germany
3) M&A in Germany by industry
4) Top German Deals
5) M&A Worldwide & Europe
