Frank Aquila on Global M&A Trends – 2019 in Review & Bright Signs for 2020

In this episode of S&C Critical Insights, partner Frank Aquila looks back on global M&A activity during 2019 and discusses bright signs he sees for deal making in 2020.

Frank describes 2019 as a “Tale of Two Cities,” with a handful of major M&A deals moving forward, while overall M&A activity was down compared to 2018. Uncertainty caused by Brexit and the slowing of outbound Chinese deals are some of the factors shaping the tepid global M&A market. In the United States, Frank notes that the regulatory review has been more stringent than might have been expected, which has been a drag on transactions.

Frank also discusses M&A trends in specific industries, including the strong market for healthcare deals, the rebirth of M&A in the financial services sector, and the consolidation in luxury retailing. He also shares insights on some of the big issues in the world of corporate governance, including the Business Roundtable’s statement on corporate purpose and the push for more diversity in boardrooms.

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