Press release

3 Feb 2021 London, GB

Strategy reset sees C-suite plot M&A and investment path out of crisis

London, 3 FEBRUARY 2021. Having navigated unprecedented disruption, executives are emboldened to reset their mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and investment strategies to secure growth for their businesses in the post-pandemic world, according to the 23rd edition of the EY Global Capital Confidence Barometer (CCB23).

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  • Respondents expect a return to pre-pandemic levels of profitability in 2021-22
  • Strong M&A appetite sees 65% of respondents looking at international targets
  • Europe emerges as preferred region for growth opportunities and deal-making in the next 12 months 

Having navigated unprecedented disruption, executives are emboldened to reset their mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and investment strategies to secure growth for their businesses in the post-pandemic world, according to the 23rd edition of the EY Global Capital Confidence Barometer (CCB23).  

Responding business leaders expect a return to pre-pandemic levels of profitability in 2021 (23%) or 2022 (44%), marking improved sentiment among the C-suite compared to CCB22 (March 2020). Executives are also scanning their geographical footprints for growth. Europe (39%) is emerging as the region anticipated to generate the most growth and opportunities over the next three years, followed by Asia-Pacific (30%) and the Americas (24%).

In terms of factors that could put growth prospects at risk, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic remains the biggest threat for responding executives (29%). The changing global economic environment (19%) and climate change (14%), also emerge as top threats. Geopolitical challenges have forced the majority (81%) of respondents to alter their strategic investment plans in the past 12 months. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of that group delayed a planned investment and more than a third (36%) terminated their plans altogether.

As the C-suite plans for a post-pandemic business landscape, the majority of respondents (86%) say that they conducted a comprehensive strategy and portfolio review in 2020. For two-thirds (66%) of that group this was unplanned and a direct response to changing events, according to the findings.

Andrea Guerzoni, EY Global Vice-Chair – Strategy and Transactions, says:

“For many business leaders, the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant economic shock, have acted as existential threats to their businesses. The C-suite has responded by resetting their strategies and making far-reaching changes with a focus on transformation. These bold moves are now fueling an optimistic mindset and a strategic agenda firmly focussed on capturing growth opportunities. Companies plan to not only restore performance levels, but to also make the necessary investments to reframe their future.”

C-suite sees route to growth through M&A and investment

Despite a collapse in M&A in the first half of the year, deal making in 2020 reached the highest transactions value on record in the second half. Global M&A value reached US$2.32t in H2 2020 and transactions’ activity rebounded by 123% between H1 and H2.

Heightened deal activity looks set to continue with nearly half of responding business leaders (49%) planning to acquire assets in the next 12 months, beating the 11-year average (47%), according to CCB23. In addition, nearly two-thirds of executives (65%) plan to acquire cross-border targets, as they look to enhance capabilities and products needed for growth. Financial Services, Telecommunications, Technology, Automotive and Life Sciences top the list of the most acquisitive sectors.

The C-suite is looking to M&A to build resilience in their companies’ operations and navigate emerging concerns about tariffs and trade flows (26%). In addition, acquiring the technology, talent, new production capabilities or innovative startups (25%) to secure growth and the effects of sector convergence (21%) will also drive strategic acquisitions.

In the post-pandemic M&A landscape, the resilience of assets emerges as a key focus for many responding executives (19%), as does the target’s digital and technology strategy (18%); and whether or not acquirers stand to gain market share through consolidation (15%.)

Pressure for assets is expected to remain intense, with four-fifths of respondents (80%) anticipating greater competition of which more than two-thirds (67%) expect it to come from private capital.

Looking at investment plans, mitigating the long-term impact of the pandemic-induced economic slowdown remains the biggest strategic priority for executives (22%). As a direct result of the pandemic, almost two thirds (63%) of respondents plan to increase investment in technology and digital capabilities, while 57% will boost investment in customer engagement.

Guerzoni, says: “Conditions for M&A remain highly supportive, including low interest rates, accommodative capital markets and abundant private capital. Executives are seeking to acquire innovative startups and tech-enabled competitors that will allow them to get closer to their customers and to use the digital channels and touch-points that have proved vital for leading companies during country lockdowns.”

Executives prepare to take investment plans global

With cross-border M&A staging a recovery toward the end of 2020, executives are focussing on markets outside their region. Europe has emerged as a focal point for most businesses, with the majority of respondents from North America, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East and Africa citing it as their organization’s main focus for M&A outside their region in the next 12 months.   

Individual markets continue to present opportunities for dealmakers with Germany ranking as the primary destination for global dealmaking in 2021 for the first time. The US (second), the UK (third) and France (fourth) continue to showcase strong foundations, while India (fifth) re-enters the list of top five destinations for M&A for the first time in five years.

Guerzoni, says: “Businesses recognize that acting globally is critical to building a sustained recovery and remain focused on expanding their geographic footprint. That is why they remain focused on acquiring assets across different markets and expanding their geographic footprint. Europe may be seen as a counterintuitive source of opportunity and growth in the near term, but starting from a lower base means Europe has greater headroom to bounce back as economies re-open. Business leaders, however, will be looking at individual markets and timing their investment moves to specific circumstances in each country.”

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About the EY Global Capital Confidence Barometer

The Global Capital Confidence Barometer gauges corporate confidence in the economic outlook, and identifies boardroom trends and practices in the way companies manage their Capital Agendas — EY framework for strategically managing capital. It is a regular survey of senior executives from large companies around the world, conducted by Thought Leadership Consulting, a Euromoney Institutional Investor company.

The panel comprises select EY clients across the globe and contacts and regular Thought Leadership Consulting contributors. From November 2020 until January 2021, Thought Leadership Consulting surveyed on behalf of the global EY organization a panel of more than 2,400 executives in 52 countries; 82% were CEOs, CFOs and other C-suite-level executives. • Respondents represented the following sectors: Financial Services, Telecoms, Consumer Products and Retail, Technology, Media and Entertainment, Life Sciences, Hospital and health care providers, Automotive and Transportation, Oil and Gas, Power and Utilities, Mining and Metals, Advanced Manufacturing, and Real Estate, Hospitality and Construction. • Surveyed companies’ annual global revenues were as follows: less than US$500m (25%), US$500m– US$999.9m (26%), US$1b– US$4.9b (25%) and greater than US$5b (24%).  • Global company ownership was as follows: publicly listed (60%), privately held (40%).