As we headed in to 2020, merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in chemicals and materials was humming along at near-historical levels. High valuations did not seem to deter buyers, with private equity (PE) firms clamoring to place capital and strategic buyers motivated for acquisitions to bolster their growth and help justify their high stock prices.

When discussing merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the adhesives and sealants industry over the last several years, we have found ourselves repeating many of the same themes. . .

In terms of job growth—or more accurately, the lack of job growth—the Great Recession was a brutal period for the adhesives and sealants industry.