CEE Deal Advisory Highlights 2019
Mazars in Central and Eastern Europe has the pleasure to present its 2019 Deal Advisory Highlights. Our yearly highlights showcase a selection of projects that we advised on throughout the region.
The number and value of investment deals that occurred in the CEE in 2019 reaffirmed the region’s reputation as a growing global M&A hub. Based on Mergermarket intelligence data, 726 deals above USD 5 million took place in this geographical area last year, for a total disclosed deal value of EUR 42 billion.
There are a number of reasons why the region is a top target for global and local investors, including:
The companies benefitting from the rise of the CEE are not just from the traditional country cohort – Germany, UK, France, China and the US, they are also based in South Africa, Japan, Singapore and elsewhere. And do not overlook CEE companies executing deals in their neighbouring countries.
In addition to the strengths bulleted above, there are four trends driving the region’s investment reputation and achievements.
Local and global investors are taking advantage of increased levels of equity and venture capital – and are gaining good returns, as outlined in our highlights document.
Meanwhile, some 30 years after the fall of communism and the emergence of privately-owned businesses, many founders and their families are looking to sell. These businesses have gained from globalisation but now want to exit: this represents a huge opportunity for M&A players, local and global.
Thirdly, consolidation is on the rise. In the next five to ten years, investors should expect fewer players but those that remain will operate on a larger scale. This is particularly evident in financial services and in the energy sector – a popular target for international companies – as firms look to gain a greener edge by acquiring those with experience in renewables.
Finally, CEE firms are also looking outwards, increasingly executing their own M&A deals as a way to grow in Western Europe, Africa and Asia.
CEE investment deals show no sign of slowing. Brexit and lacklustre GDP growth across Western Europe mean global investors continue to seek opportunity in more diverse markets. Trade tensions between the US and China similarly make the CEE an attractive investment choice.
There is some cause for caution as populism threatens to impinge on business growth, especially concerning international investors, however markets are so far relatively unaffected and deal advisory and M&A activities go from strength to strength.
In 2019 alone, Mazars processed 16 successful CEE deals with a total transaction value of €1.4 billion. This allowed our firm to be ranked among the top 5 leading Deal Advisors providing Transaction Services (due diligence, valuation) in Central & Eastern Europe, based on Mergermarket CEE Accountant League Table by number of successful deals. We have also been ranked 2nd in terms of disclosed transaction value at the regional level. To find out more about our financial and tax advisory work in the region and our highlights for the last 12 months, go here.
This website uses cookies.
Some of these cookies are necessary, while others help us analyse our traffic, serve advertising and deliver customised experiences for you.
For more information on the cookies we use, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
This website cannot function properly without these cookies.
Analytical cookies help us enhance our website by collecting information on its usage.
We use marketing cookies to increase the relevancy of our advertising campaigns.