PHOTO
· Announced deal value increases to US$115.5b in H1 2019 compared to US$36.0b in H1 2018
· 98% of MENA executives are planning for significant investment in technology
Al Riyadh: The value of announced deals with disclosed value in the MENA region increased by 220.8% to US$115.5b in H1 2019, up from US$36.0b in H1 2018, according to the EY H1 MENA M&A report. However, deal volume witnessed a decrease of 10.7%, with 216 announced deals in H1 2019, down from 242 deals recorded in H1 2018.
The largest deal during H1 2019 was Saudi Aramco agreeing to acquire a 70% stake in SABIC worth US$69.1b from PIF.
In H1 2019, state-owned entities were involved in 55 deals (25% of total deals) amounting to US$104.5b, 90% of the total deal value, including mega deals involving Saudi Aramco, ADNOC and ADIA.
Matthew Benson, MENA Transaction Advisory Services Leader, EY, says:
“MENA corporates are finding innovative ways to raise capital and have stepped up the frequency of their portfolio reviews. The EY Capital Confidence Barometer (CCB) report indicates that 61% of MENA executives say their companies are reviewing their portfolios every quarter or more frequently – more often than global executives. With more frequent portfolio reviews, several non-core businesses are set aside for divestment thereby fueling deal activity.
“A further 87% of MENA executives believe the global economy is improving, compared to 93% on average across all executives in the study, globally, while 82% share a similar sentiment about their domestic economy here in the MENA region. Looking ahead, we expect MENA companies to continue to reshape their portfolios to remain resilient to potential headwinds on the horizon, even as they actively pursue their ambitious growth objectives.”
Top five target sectors by deal value
In H1 2019, the chemicals sector had the highest deal value with US$69.3b due to the landmark Saudi Aramco – SABIC deal, followed by the oil and gas sector with US$14.2b. The provider care sector recorded US$10.3b, the banking and capital markets sector recorded US$5.1b in deal value, followed by the technology sector, which logged a deal value of US$4.3b, which included Uber’s $3.1b acquisition of Careem Networks.
Anil Menon, MENA M&A and Equity Capital Markets Leader, EY, says:
“MENA executives are relatively more optimistic about the improving economic prospects while still keeping an eye on evolving geopolitical risks. The EY CCB report found that MENA executives are proactively pursuing strategic options to strengthen competitive advantage and accelerate growth in an era where technology continues to disrupt traditional business models.”
Domestic M&A deal value driven by mega deals
H1 2019 saw an increase in domestic M&A activity in terms of deal value, with 111 deals amounting to US$79.3b, compared with 96 deals amounting to US$5.5b in H1 2018. Two mega strategic deals, as part of sector consolidation, drove the domestic activity by value – a chemicals sector deal in Saudi Arabia, worth US$69.1b and a deal in the banking and capital markets sector in the UAE, worth US$4.0b.
In addition, MENA witnessed 65 outbound M&A deals amounting to US$21.0b compared with 77 deals amounting to US$18.2b in H1 2018. Strategic investments by sovereign wealth funds and state-owned enterprises, including mega deals by ADIA and Saudi Aramco, drove the MENA outbound activity.
A key highlight of H1 2019 was Uber’s acquisition of Careem Networks for US$3.1b, the largest technology sector transaction to date in the Middle East, as home-grown technology start-ups find themselves being pursued by global players.
UAE records the highest inbound investment
H1 2019 witnessed a fall in inbound M&A deal volume in the MENA region, with 40 deals amounting to US$15.1b compared with 69 deals recorded at a value of US$12.3b in H1 2018. The UAE was ranked the highest in terms of inbound M&A investment in the region, with 20 deals amounting to US$14.4b.
The oil and gas sector was the top target sector for inbound activity, accounting for US$10.8b. Four out of the six inbound deals in the sector were in the UAE, including three mega deals, involving the ADNOC stake sale in its oil refining and pipeline business.
“The large sums of inbound M&A reinforces the MENA investment thesis. We continue to believe that these are good times for strategic acquisitions in MENA,” concludes Anil.
-Ends-
About the Capital Confidence Barometer
The Global Capital Confidence Barometer, now in its tenth year, 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 Euromoney Institutional Investor Thought Leadership (EIITL). The panel comprises select global EY clients and contacts and regular EIITL contributors.
EY | Assurance | Tax | Transactions | Advisory
About EY EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.
EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.
The MENA practice of EY has been operating in the region since 1923. For over 90 years, we have grown to over 7,500 people united across 21 offices and 16 countries, sharing the same values and an unwavering commitment to quality. As an organization, we continue to develop outstanding leaders who deliver exceptional services to our clients and who contribute to our communities. We are proud of our accomplishments over the years, reaffirming our position as the largest and most established professional services organization in the region.
This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global EY organization that also does not provide any services to clients.
© Press Release 2019Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.
The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.
