M&A Corner

Staying the Course

ahinz@gracematthews.com (Andy Hinz) — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 16:00:00 -0400

This edition of M&A Corner looks back at transaction activity over the past 16 months, discusses some of the key factors shaping the current M&A market, and offers thoughts on the outlook.

Adhesives and Sealants M&A: Reaching Cruising Altitude

ahinz@gracematthews.com (Andy Hinz) — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

According to data from S&P, year-to-date global M&A transaction volume through the third quarter of 2021 was up 34% compared to the first nine months of 2020 and 14% over the same period in 2019. The average reported transaction value in 2021 is 29% higher than in 2020 and up 19% over 2019. What is driving this activity? Well, it’s a few things.

Looking Ahead: M&A Primed for Liftoff?

ahinz@gracematthews.com (Andy Hinz) — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

The cover of a recent issue of Time magazine dubbed 2020 “The Worst Year Ever.” From the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent global economic fallout to a tumultuous U.S. presidential election and the loss of icons like Kobe Bryant, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Alex Trebek, 2020 certainly has been a year for the books. Suffice to say, we’re all eager to turn the page to 2021.

COVID-19: The Black Swan

ahinz@gracematthews.com (Andy Hinz) — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400

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.