Canada is a top five destination globally to pursue acquisitions

62% of Canadian businesses are actively pursuing deals

Despite uncertainty in currency and commodity markets, Canada maintains its position as a top five destination for global investment, according to EY’s latest Canadian Capital Confidence Barometer.

“For the fifth time in a row, our survey finds Canadian respondents expect to pursue acquisitions at a rate above the past average,” says Jenkinson. “Canadian, U.S. and global respondents are bullish on the Canadian and global economy, and that is fueling an appetite for M&A.”

Other key findings from EY’s survey include:

• 54% of Canadian respondents believe the Canadian economy is improving
• 53% of Canadian respondents expect the global economy to improve this year, compared with 64% of global respondents
• 62% of Canadian respondents are actively pursuing M&A deals, compared with 56% of global respondents

Innovation is a driving force for M&A

The survey notes that companies are looking to “future-proof” their businesses, and innovate when it comes to things like reducing costs and accelerating productivity.

“40% of our Canadian survey respondents say they’re looking to M&A as one way to ‘future-proof’ their business,” says Jenkinson. “By acquiring smaller businesses to address critical needs, they can grow their size and fill innovation gaps.”

Jenkinson adds: “The Canadian economy is strong which is helping to drive the M&A market overall. By harnessing innovations we have a real opportunity to continue to show the world we are open to investment and growing.”

About EY’s Global Capital Confidence Barometer

The EY Global Capital Confidence Barometer is a biannual survey of executives from large companies around the world and across industry sectors. This is the 16th semi-annual Barometer in the series, which began in November 2009; respondents for the 16th edition were surveyed March and April. The objective of the Barometer is to gauge corporate confidence in the global and domestic economic outlook, to understand boardroom priorities in the next 12 months, and to identify emerging capital practices that will distinguish those companies building competitive advantage as the global economy continues to evolve.

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About EY
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